2.5 Hours of Good, Gripping Suspense Drama

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2014)

Although a little more development in a few areas and a little less in others might have helped, PRISONERS will probably keep you watching and keep you guessing. Just an ultra-realistic, riveting film that will not end up exactly as you think it will. Nice use of subtle clues in the random bits of dialogue, written notes, and newspaper flashes.
A number of sociological and religious themes can be delved from PRISONERS: How the families, police, perpetrators, and community-at-large are all made "prisoners" by this event; the dangers of preconceived notions about who, why, and how the crime was committed, etc. At the same time, it doesn't just bombard us with deep ulterior meanings, and those who prefer to watch it as a simple "thriller" may easily do so. Really fine all-around acting: Jake Gyllenhaal and Melissa Leo give especially commendable performances.