Be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst. Prisoners is directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Aaron Guzikowski. It stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Terence Howard, Maria Bello, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano. Music is by Jóhann Jóhannsson and cinematography by Roger Deakins. When Keller Dover's (Jackman) daughter and her friend disappear, he takes action into his own hands... Initially, reading the plot summary might lead you to believe this is just another revenge story with police investigation elements tacked on. It’s a relief to discover that Prisoners has more depth than simply identifying who committed the crime, and it raises the question of how far a grieving father will go. The title Prisoners is very fitting because all of the main characters are caught up in some kind of trap, whether it's due to emotional instability or being victims of their own innocence, guilt, or uncontrollable urges. It’s a complex character study that explores many questions, while also having a central mystery. The story includes numerous clues that could be significant or not, and unanswered questions linger until the ending reveals unsettling secrets. The themes explored are dark and disturbing, with the initial abduction intertwined with terrible backstories, torture, and religious fanaticism. Guzikowski’s screenplay is excellent; it's captivating, and there's nothing unnecessary or pointless, even as the pieces of the puzzle come together in the final section. You might find yourself wondering how you overlooked something so straightforward. This was Villeneuve’s first film made in English, and it’s easy to see why he was considered a director with great potential—his subsequent work confirms this. His ability to create atmosphere and control the pace is exceptional, his getting strong performances from the cast (especially Jackman and Gyllenhaal) is noteworthy, and his collaboration with Deakins is a perfect pairing for the visuals. This is serious filmmaking; a thriller intended to evoke emotional reactions from viewers. Relentless and impactful, it's an unsettling look at human nature in various forms—and we are there to witness it. 9/10

Source on TMDB