Well made

Rating: 7/10 (2 September 2019)

In a small Pennsylvania town, the lives of two neighbouring families are turned to chaos due to abduction.
Director Denis Villeneuve does a fine job in maintaining tension throughout this film. He keeps the mood dark and bleak which is appropriate considering the material. In the impressive cast, Hugh Jackman is a standout as a very intense and troubled man in a very difficult situation.
The best part of the story is one involving a shocking act by crime victims. It causes the audience to question the morality of the act and genuinely see both sides of the issue.
The conclusion is fascinating but occasionally confusing with holes in the story. Thankfully, the Wikipedia summary fills in the gaps that were hard to understand. The fact that two characters acted like one-man rescue teams without considering asking for help also seemed over the top. This was especially true in a scene involving a speedy car ride.
Despite the flaws, this was a gripping film whose effect is not easily forgotten.