Prisoners

*Paul Dano, walking into the audition: Denis, I'm so glad you wanted me for the part of Alex, I've been really wanting a role that can show my range! Maybe even a big monologue at the end? **Denis Villeneuve: yeahhhh, about that, you'll mostly just be crouching in a dirty bathroom with your eyes swollen shut. Paul Dano: oh. But I'll have some great one-liners, right? Denis Villeneuve: I was thinking you'd mostly just mumble and get pulverized, but sure you can have one line! * I have two young kids, so this movie is horrifying to me. I totally relate to the pain and anger of the parents, and while Jackman's character a was a bit too fast to the "kidnap and torture" phase, honestly I get it. It's heart-wrenching to think your kids could be taken like that, with nothing to do but wait for the cops. This whole movie is so well-made, from the dreary weather infused into the environment to the writing and cinematography. The story never drags despite the long runtime, everything feels necessary. Believable performances all around, with Terrence Howard giving an unexpectedly understated portrayal of a grieving father to counterbalance Jackman's crazy intensity. I loved the plot turns and found it unpredictable until the very end. Great procedural that leaves you satisfied with all the loose ends tied up.