Mind-bending, dark, utter brilliance

Rating: 10/10 (19 September 2014)

Prisoners is one of the most satisfying movie-going experiences I've ever had. The story opens in a dark and foreboding country town, shot beautifully by the masterful Roger Deakins. Soon after we meet Keller Dover, his innocent little girl vanishes without a trace. Thanks to the spectacularly dark performance by Hugh Jackman, the pain and anguish is felt like nothing else. The original suspect, Alex Jones (played by a perfectly cast Paul Dano) implies his own guilt to Dover, and it is this moment that sets the story and what the title "Prisoners" actually means.
How far is Dover willing to go to find his daughter, the literal prisoner of an unknown captor? Detective Loki is imprisoned by his impeccable reputation, which means that he feels even greater pressure to find and rescue the girls. The film is spectacularly written, with red herrings that give the audience doubt that one character is on the right track, only to sideswipe them with a revelation that not only keeps you guessing, but fits superbly into the overall story.
The story doesn't feel forced for even a moment, and everything pieces together for a superb overall take. The direction is spectacular, creating a lingering sense of dread that permeates the picture.
One of the most underrated films of 2013, Prisoners sees Jackman is at his absolute best and is a superbly satisfying drama.