PRISONERS

Canadian Director Denis Villenueve previously made ‘Incendies’ a terrific story of twins journeying to the Middle East to discover their family history, and fulfill their mother's last wishes, which deservedly was nominated for best foreign language film at the Academy Awards. 


Here he takes on another story of a journey, a challenge for one man to find his daughter and friend, a whodunit that preys upon the fears of every father. 

Aaron Gruzikowski’s screenplay is great; a multi-faceted and well-structured piece of writing that alternates between two primary characters – a grieving father (Hugh Jackman), whose little girl has gone missing, and the detective working the case (Jake Gyllenhaal), examining all possibilities in her disappearance. Paul Dano as prime suspect Alex Jones is as always a commanding presence.

With its cast of Oscar winners and nominees, its slow burn style of suspense, and its genuinely engaging premise, ‘Prisoners’ should be an early awards season contender.