A Stunning look at the humans in situations. . . and choices

Rating: Null/10 (20 November 2013)

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and left the theater feeling horrified but full of emotions. People can be quite dangerous and this film looks at that in depth.
Jackman plays his role so well that I almost forget he was acting. You feel his emotion in his expressions. You relate to his hurt even though you may not have experienced it. When he cries, my heart literally weeps. The toll this family goes through feels so real and unfair.
Howard is good at his supporting role. He is unwilling, unsure, confused, scared, he is all that Jackman is except he shows it so much more than he Jackman.
Gyllenhaal, I was so unsure about this character. I could not understand why he is the way that he is and still don't. I take it as this was just who his personality was; awkward and too into the job. He executed his role great and I enjoyed watching his character unfold into a sort of madness.
The entire cast together was perfect. I love a movie when everyone is so well fitted together that you forget you're watching a movie. The plot was disturbing and quite dark. As a parent I felt enraged and angry. I was battling what side of the fence I would be on if I were in the position and I got made at myself for not knowing which person I'd be like; Jackman or Howard. The decisions in this film that the family makes is the hardest I think any person would have to make. . . . .the gem of this film lies in the very last minute of the movie. It's the hardest minute to watch and when the screen went black, I stared at it waiting for it to come back on with a different ending. I loved the ending. . .the felt it, I understood it but I didn't want it to be.
Overall, this film is beyond amazing and you will enjoy it's grittiness.