How film has the ability to grab hold and not let go

Rating: 7/10 (29 June 2014)

I watched Prisoners (2013. dir. Denis Villeneuve) last night and thought how film has the ability to grab hold and not let go. This is a thrilling, suspenseful mystery where sometimes I needed to remind myself to breathe. The camera, the acting of Jake Gyllanhal, and the mystery are the stars in this one. The mood is somber amidst a tragic abduction of two girls in a small Pennsylvania town. I immediately felt connected and invested in the story and eager to see how far the characters would go to solve the mystery. Sometimes, the "thriller" moments in the film felt exaggerated and may have had a better effect if left slightly more understated.