As a seasoned cinephile who has braved the cinematic wilderness for decades, I must say that Prisoners is a gripping thriller not to be missed by the discerning viewer. However, I would advise against watching it on Thanksgiving, unless you’re prepared for some intense family discussions that may veer off course from the usual turkey-related banter.
Perhaps you’re considering a thriller like “Prisoners” for your weekend viewing, given the Thanksgiving holiday approaching. However, it might be wise to reconsider if you’re aiming for a family-friendly atmosphere. Though it’s an engaging film currently streaming on Max, it may not blend well with the festive ambiance and roasting turkey. Nonetheless, movie enthusiasts will find this gripping tale worth watching during this season.
Currently, “Prisoners” is being highly recommended by many streamers – this isn’t just because it’s set during Thanksgiving, but also because it was directed by Denis Villeneuve, who has gained recognition for his work on the upcoming series “Dune Prophecy”, following the promotion of the new “Dune” movie by Warner Bros. While “Prisoners” doesn’t feature sandworms, it does deliver a chilling ambiance typical of grounded thrillers. The story unfolds in suburban Pennsylvania, where Hugh Jackman, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, and Viola Davis portray the Dover and Birch families – neighbors and friends who chose to celebrate Thanksgiving together with their children.
During their vacation, two sets of parents find their young girls missing when they are outdoors playing. In this investigation, Detective Loki, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, is appointed to the case, while Paul Dano takes on the role of Alex, a person initially suspected as the main culprit. The ensemble also features Melissa Leo, Dennis Christopher, Dylan Minnette, David Dastmalchian, Brad James, and Zoë Soul.
Initially, a frantic quest for two lost girls transforms into an unsettling psychological suspense that lingers long after reading. The narrative compels its characters to grapple with unimaginable dilemmas regarding the extremes they might take for their loved ones. Though these quandaries can be emotionally stirring, they may not make for the most pleasant dinner topics during your holiday gatherings. Engaging in a discussion about a father’s potential violent actions in pursuit of his lost children might be best reserved for less familial settings, such as over coffee rather than mashed potatoes and gravy.
Behind the Scenes
The screenplay for “Prisoners” was penned by Aaron Guzikowski, inspired partly by a short story of his own and Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” This script made it onto the 2009 Black List and attracted many prominent figures in the industry. Later on, Guzikowski shared with Film School Rejects that it was producer Mark Wahlberg who played a crucial role in bringing this movie to life. He expressed doubt that the script would have reached the right people without Wahlberg’s connections and determination.
Prior to Villeneuve’s appointment, Bryan Singer was under consideration as director, while Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, and others were potential actors for the role. Timothée Chalamet even tried out for the film, expressing his enthusiasm to Entertainment Weekly, as working on Dune offered him another opportunity to collaborate with Villeneuve again.
Prisoners represented a big step into the mainstream for Villeneuve, who studied film in his home province of Quebec, Canada and made many of his early works in French. His first four feature-length films were critical successes, but they did not reach as wide an audience as Prisoners. This movie put him on the map in Hollywood, and was a monumental step toward projects like Dune.
Following Villeneuve’s work, his next two films were crime thrillers – ‘Enemy’ in 2014 and ‘Sicario’ in 2015. He then shifted gears to science fiction with the critically-acclaimed drama ‘Arrival’ in 2016. Subsequently, he moved on to larger franchises, starting with ‘Blade Runner’, followed by ‘Dune’.
Rating and Reviews
One potential reason why some families might not watch Prisoners next weekend is due to its R rating, which was only granted after significant editing and toning down from an original NC-17 rating for graphic violence and explicit content. Despite these changes, several viewers have found the movie difficult to watch, as indicated by user reviews on sites like Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently, the movie “Prisoners” boasts an impressive 81% positive Tomatometer rating among critics, with a 7/10 average score based on 250 reviews from trusted sources. On the other hand, audience feedback is equally favorable, with 87% positive reviews and an average score of 4.1/10.
If you’re inclined, now might be an ideal moment to catch up with – or re-experience – the gripping movie “Prisoners“. However, it’s advisable to wait until family visits are over before doing so, as the film’s intense themes may not be suitable for all audiences. You can currently stream the film on Max, or purchase it digitally, on Blu-ray, or DVD.
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2024-11-25 07:09