Aspects masterful; aspects muddled

Rating: 8/10 (2 July 2019)

This movie began with a lot of promise with an interesting look at the ethical choices of a victim's family. The blurred line between Us versus them was nicely depicted, Hugh Jackman was believable as an enraged father, and the families deconstruction after a tragedy was well depicted in the first half of the film.
Jake Gyllenhaal's character was well-played charismatic and compelling to watch. The problems began when plot twist seem to be written in for the sake of shock value, and we're not believable. The motive of the abductions and or killings was so convoluted it seemed silly, and all the psychological tension that had been built up was lost the more motive was revealed.
I found the depiction of mental illness in one of the victims, Bob, insulting and unrealistic, and utterly cliched.
Yet despite all this, still very compelling to watch well directed (if not written), and still explored many issues of moral ambiguity.