Prisoners
Keller Dover is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had earlier been parked on their street.
Hakihiko reviewed
June 25, 2025•
Tense, Gripping, and Emotionally Heavy
"Prisoners" is a deeply intense thriller that grips you from the first scene and doesn't let go. It explores moral ambiguity, desperation, and justice with a maturity and weight that few films in the genre manage to achieve.
The direction by Denis Villeneuve is masterful-he builds tension slowly, letting the atmosphere speak as loudly as the dialogue. The pacing is deliberate but never boring, always keeping you on edge. The cinematography by Roger Deakins is absolutely stunning, adding a cold and brooding aesthetic that perfectly fits the tone of the story.
Hugh Jackman delivers one of his strongest performances, playing a father unraveling under the weight of uncertainty and pain. Jake Gyllenhaal also shines as the obsessive detective, bringing nuance and depth to a role that could have easily felt generic. Their performances elevate the emotional gravity of the story.
The film is disturbing at times, and its themes of loss and vengeance aren't easy to watch-but that's part of its strength.
Overall, "Prisoners" is a smart, emotional, and visually stunning thriller that leaves a lasting impression. It's not light viewing, but it's a powerful one.