Prisoners

“Sudden all that stands between you and being dead is you”the movie’s runtime is considerably lengthy, but the suspense and tension built never failed to catch my attention throughout. i love how unnervingly each clues are connected to each other, even the people that seems most innocent or pieces of evidence that can be overlooked, turns out to be the unforeseen twists that messed with my mind. the title “Prisoners” appeared after the final frame really ties all the meaning of the movie together wonderfully - an allegory of how the characters are the prisoners of their own guilt, trauma and ethical boundaries. it is when our freedom is under the hand of someone that the darkest parts of ourselves can overpower our moral beliefs. the terror and dreadful events the character have to go through held themselves captive in their own mind through endless cycle, even though they are physically free. my utmost respect goes to the actors and actresses for their exceptional performances. Hugh Jackman’s role as Mr Dover had really leave me speechless with his vivid portrayal of hopelessness and desperation as a parent, always in a constant battle with his inner mental turmoil to find his daughter. seeing the “human” part of him fight for every ounce between what’s morally right and wrong had completely got me into a rollercoaster of emotion, where i feel both frightened and sympathetic towards the motive behind his action. Maria Bello as Mrs Dover captured so intensely the deepest pain and despair of waiting countless days for her child to reunite again, struggling with a heavy heart to maintain hope amidst overwhelming sorrow. David Dastmalchian’s character illustration of Bob Taylor leaves the strongest impression on me. i do not want to spoil but you will see the psychological complexity of his character in the film. he allows both vulnerability and eeriness to co-exist in his role so well that Taylor remains such a memorable and enigmatic character for me. though the stories of some characters and the ending is being left quite ambiguous, i think that’s what makes the movie so beautiful when it actively challenges the audience to figure out things themselves or interpret in their own way. i also think that’s the purpose of the movie, when some “mazes” feels impossible to solve as the prisoners are also trapped themselves trying to find an answer in their own story. overall, this movie examine the central theme about humanity and moral beliefs really well through the illustration of symbolism and the complexity behind the character’s motive - making it both a meaningful and thrilling experience to watch.