#18: Prisoners

Prisoners is about as good as revenge thrillers get. Analyzing how far someone will go for their child is a pretty typical thing for films like this, but Prisoners has more depth to it, much of which stems from the late parts of the plot. For the sake of keeping this spoiler-free, I won't go into detail on what this means. However this attempt at being spoiler-free also makes reviewing the film tough, simply because it feels like a crime to ruin any one of the twists and turns.

Denis Villeneuve has a special talent for suspense. Looking at both Sicario and Arrival, his skills go far beyond this film alone (further reason to trust him with the upcoming Blade Runner sequel, and Dune remake). The grimy, suburban feel of the film is pervasive, but not in the blood, sweat and dirt way of Seven. Villeneuve's Philadelphia suburb is a horror movie town with a heart. Everything feels a little off, but you still want to care.

Hugh Jackman turns in what could be a career performance as a collapsing and desperate father, and Jake Gyllenhaal gives him the perfect character to work off of as a more reserved detective. Add in performances from Viola Davis, Terrence Howard, and a crazed turn from Paul Dano, and this one's got a supporting cast for the ages.

In the end, Prisoners is a tale of emotions and more primal themes than the complex plot might seem. Expertly directed and acted, its a thriller for the ages that's well worth the two and a half hours.