September 21st, 2013 
Justin Proper 
Movie: Prisoners
Director: Dennis Villeneuve
Writer: Aaron Guzikowski
Studio: Alcon Entertainment, 8:38 Productions, Madhouse Entertainment
Some plot devices seem played out. How many movies about a kid getting kidnapped have there been over the years? Hundreds? Thousands? Who knows, but it is a lot. Hell, I reviewed a kidnapping movie just a couple weeks ago. It seems like a popular plot device and with good reason: it is one of parents’ greatest fears. Usually these movies are bland and predictable, but every once in a while one manages to be so intense and thrilling it becomes a must-see, even for people who hate kids.
From Oscar nominated director Dennis Villeneuve, Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, a man whose daughter has been kidnapped, and Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki, the man dedicated to finding her. A suspect (Alex Jones played by Paul Dano) quickly emerges and although he seems like the most likely cause of the girl’s disappearance the police let him go because they have no evidence on him and he has the IQ of a ten year old. Not satisfied with the system Dover sets out and kidnapps the man himself to get the answers he wants his way and his way is not pretty. Can Detetive Loki solve the case in time to save the girl and how far will Dover go to get the justice he feels he deserves?
I do not have a kid. I do not plan on having a kid (unless you are a cute lady and that is a deal breaker). Still, this movie hit me hard. With that in mind I cannot imagine how powerful it must be for someone with kids. As far as thrillers go, Prisoners is on par with the best ones you have ever seen. The suspense builds up quick and does not let off for the entire film. To say you will be on the edge of your seat is not enough. This film was exhausting in the best way. It will hit you like a truck and keep you pinned under its own weight for hours. Incredibly unsettling moments are broken up by small glimpses of a family that has been completely broken. Just when you think you can relax for a second you are shown a mother breaking down or a cop losing his cool and you are right back in the suspense.
The cast of Prisoners could not have been chosen any better. It should surprise no one that Hugh Jackman was phenominal, but the real standout for me was Maria Bello. Her portrayal of the mother was so convincing it stole the spotlight from the Oscar nominated actors around her. Gyllenhaal plays Dective Loki in a way you would not expect. His character has ticks that are slightly distracting at first, but soon become tell tale signs that his character is becoming more and more stressed. He may seem too calm and level-headed at first to convince you he genuinely cares about the child but the more you watch the more you are sure he has the best intentions at heart. It would be a mistake not to mention Paul Dano, who made the character of the simple minded suspect really come to life.
With a runtime just under two and a half hours it is easy to see that some people would think Prisoners is far too long of a film. It seems like a director’s cut edition at times, telling you a lot more than you need to know. However, at no point did I find myself bored or wishing the film would just wrap itself up because despite the extra character exposition and seemingly unneeded scenes it all adds to the overall experience. Could it have been cut down to appeal to a more general audience? Sure, but the way it is now is compelling, entertaining, and extremely powerful.
Parents: you have been warned. This movie will probably hit you on a level I cannot even imagine. If you are in the mood for a thriller and need one that will not let you down make sure you see Prisoners. It may be long, but with an amazing cast and uncompromising plot this film is worth seeing as soon as you can. Get ready to hear a lot about this film in the next few months, award season is fast approaching and Prisoners will very likely be up to take home a few golden trophies.
Score: A
Review written by: Justin Proper
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