Prisoners is a great American thriller, in the great tradition of The Silence of the Lambs and Zodiac. For 2 and 1/2 hours, it is absolutely heart pounding, without ever letting up. Poignantly of all, it taps into the absolute worst fears of any parent. The subject matter of this film is as dark as it gets. As you keep watching, it gets even worse. The criminal conspiracy in this film easily ranks as some of the most disturbing and realistic portrayals of serial killers I've seen. Even the shocking twists in the case are bizarre enough to sound real.
Prisoners also has arguably Hugh Jackman's best performance. A father, in pursuit of his missing daughter, with an primal rage you could only expect from a grieving parent. Keller Dover isn't pushed to the brink of insanity, he's there. The interrogation/torture scene comes to mind as a moment that is unforgettable. The sight of him breaking a porcelain bathroom sink with the ease that a blistering, violent rage could provide, is chilling to the bone.
Prisoners also has arguably Hugh Jackman's best performance. A father, in pursuit of his missing daughter, with an primal rage you could only expect from a grieving parent. Keller Dover isn't pushed to the brink of insanity, he's there. The interrogation/torture scene comes to mind as a moment that is unforgettable. The sight of him breaking a porcelain bathroom sink with the ease that a blistering, violent rage could provide, is chilling to the bone.