Prisoners (film review)

Prisoners begins with a beautiful shot of a deer edging across a snow clad forest while two hunters, father and son, take aim with a rifle. The fragility of life is emphasised from the very start of the film and sets up the scenario of every parents nightmare, the disappearance of their young daughters. With Jake Gyllenhall's investigation stalling, one father, played by Hugh Jackman, feels the helplessness of the situation too overwhelming and he decides to take matters into his own hands. Their are many layers to Prisoners but the pacing of the film is key: it's a slow burner which brings a real sense of tension and urgency to the unfolding plot. You really don't know what is going to happen and the film has you gripped and on the edge of your seat without any cheap thrills or having to be flashy and action packed. The superb acting across the board and an intelligent and thoughtful script is crucial in making the characters actions, thoughts and feelings authentic and believable. One of the year's best thrillers. 8/10