Review of Prisoners (2013) by Mloy X — 01 Nov 2014

Eliza Birch (Zoë Soul): Did you feel bad for that deer when you shot it?

Ralph Dover (Dylan Minnette): Do you feel bad for cows when you go into McDonalds?

This film was crazy and uncomfortably disturbing. Its also a bit scary-- not the abduction of the kids... although, that's a different kind of scary all on its own; but its scary because we see the de-evolution of one man from a seemingly sane, God-fearing, law abiding citizen into a more monstrous being who is just as bad if not worse than the monsters he's fighting against. The subject is just so disturbing, all the more because its so real; I mean, its the stuff you hear about in the news and its sad, but as a parent, its the stuff of nightmares. On one hand, I can understand where Mr. Dover (Jackman) is coming from; I mean, given the same circumstances, I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing. Anyhow, the subject matter was disturbing and the actors were incredible; Jackman, of course was awesome. Jake Gyllenhaal was creepier than the accused abductor, I kept expecting a plot twist that he's the guilty party for some reason. Paul Dano is such an underrated actor but he was spectacular in this film and Melissa Leo was absolutely brilliant! Everyone gave such wonderful performances, I guess that's why I found this film uncomfortable; it was just too real, it was just that good.