Prisoners, a tense neo-noir thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve, is now streaming on Netflix. The film, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman, has earned an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is being hailed as a masterpiece by critics and viewers alike.
Plot and Performances
The story follows Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), a religious doomsday prepper. After Keller's daughter Anna and their neighbor's daughter Joy disappear following a Thanksgiving dinner, Detective Loki investigates while Keller takes matters into his own hands. The film explores the thin line between justice and revenge, asking how far a parent will go to protect their child.
Jackman and Gyllenhaal deliver career-defining performances. According to one viewer, “An absolutely brilliant performance from Hugh Jackman and a mystery that will send shivers up and down your spine. I highly recommend this movie if you’re in the mood for an uncomfortably realistic thrill.”
Cinematography and Style
Villeneuve's signature style is evident in the cinematography, featuring long establishing shots, eerie silent landscapes, and slow zooms that build tension throughout the two-and-a-half-hour runtime. The film is a slow burn but includes shocking scenes more akin to a slasher than a traditional thriller.
Critical Reception
The film holds an 87% Rotten Tomatoes rating. One reviewer called it “A masterpiece! Perfect thriller with a mind-bending story!” Another described it as “one of the most tense and eerie movies I’ve ever seen!”
Prisoners is available to stream now on Netflix.
