Powerful Story and Even More Powerful Performances

Rating: 10/10 (12 December 2015)

I have to be honest, when this came out, I was not real excited. It kind of had those Hollywood bubblegum trappings. Boy was I wrong. This is a very dark and powerful story that examines the psyches of many different and diverse characters. Probably what stands out the most are the incredible performances by all of the actors here, but especially Hugh Jackman, who delivers an Academy worthy performance. Jackman's character is a walking contradiction, he cloaks himself in every kind of religious regalia he can, while at the same time showing absolutely no confidence in his fellow man. When adversity enters his life, he ends up abandoning all of his supposed beliefs in order to save his family. Paul Dano is also excellent as the mysterious Alex Jones, an eccentric person that Jackman's Dover character is sure has taken his daughter. Gylenhall plays the deliberate and deductive detective that like every other character in this movie, is dealing with some demons of his own. This story is tight and excellently directed, every scene is chalked full of relevant information that will revel the greater understanding later. And even after the story concludes, will leave you thinking for a long time.