Review of Prisoners (2013) by Carrie S — 19 Jul 2014

I usually hear people say they dislike this movie because it was "not enjoyable" or "too dark." I was disappointed to see it overlooked for acting Academy nods, but in a year full of Oscar bait, I shouldn't have been surprised. Well, I for one am not afraid of a little darkness - or even a lot, as in this case.

The performances here are sublime. Hugh Jackman is a force of nature as a father channeling the fear for his daughter into brutal action. Jake Gyllenhaal is the detached, perceptive detective with little tolerance for human interaction. But the real treat is Paul Dano, who manages to be menacing, meek, and empathetic without saying very much at all.

Combine all this with immersive cinematography and a gripping plot, and you've got yourself a gaze into the abyss of what humans are willing to do to find answers.