Prisoners
In a sleepy Pennsylvanian town Keller Dover and Franklin Birch (Hugh Jackman and Terrence Howard) are pushed to the edge when their young daughters are both kidnapped over the Thanksgiving Weekend. Heading up the investigation is the unflappable and whipsmart Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal). The catch, there’s only one lead, a run down RV driven by Alex Jones (Paul Dano). As minutes turn to days, panic sets in for the Dover and Birch families; worried the police aren’t making headway Keller takes matters into his own hands. But, just how dark will Keller have to go to get answers, and what will Detective Loki find in his searches?
Serving as director Denis Villeneuve’s major directorial debut, great things appear to be in store for cinephiles. In this case, Aaron Guzikowski’s weighty screenplay, fraught with layer upon layer of psychological drama, gritty detail, and tension and release makes for a disturbing and memorable experience sure to spar discussion later. And, with Roger Deakins as the Cinematographer of choice, every shot comes across with poise, staging, and purpose– of note it’s often the dirtiest of shots through glass, water, grease, fog, and darkness that reveal their beauty the most. Meanwhile, performances from the ensemble all pack a punch, and standouts Jackman and Gyllenhaal elevate things even higher. With twinges of Silence of the Lambs, Prisoners will sit with you as the unpleasant houseguest that just won’t leave, but this is a good thing. See this. Prisoners is rated R.