Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Prisoners is a 2013 American thriller film directed by Denis Villeneuve, with a screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, and Paul Dano. Set in a small Pennsylvania town, the film follows the desperate search for two missing young girls and the extreme measures taken by their families.
The Story Unfolds
The Disappearance
The film begins with the Dover and Birch families celebrating Thanksgiving together. The daughters of both families, Anna Dover and Joy Birch, go missing while playing outside. Panic sets in as their parents, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard), desperately search for them. The police, led by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), quickly identify an RV driven by Alex Jones (Paul Dano) as a potential clue.
The Prime Suspect
Alex is arrested but released due to a lack of evidence and his apparent intellectual disability, frustrating Keller. Convinced of Alex’s guilt, Keller kidnaps and imprisons him in an abandoned building, hoping to extract information about the girls’ whereabouts through torture. Franklin reluctantly assists Keller, while their wives, Grace Dover (Maria Bello) and Nancy Birch (Viola Davis), struggle with the moral implications.
The Climax and Resolution
Detective Loki’s Investigation
Meanwhile, Detective Loki follows various leads, including an unsolved case involving a maze symbol. He discovers a connection between Alex and a local priest who confesses to killing a man who claimed to be “waging a war against God” by kidnapping and murdering children. Loki’s investigation leads him to a reclusive man named Bob Taylor (David Dastmalchian), who has a collection of maze drawings and boxes of children’s clothing.
The Final Confrontation
Loki discovers Taylor’s involvement in creating false clues to taunt the police but finds no concrete evidence linking him to the girls. During a tense confrontation, Taylor commits suicide. Desperate, Keller continues to torture Alex, who finally mutters the words “I’m not Alex,” revealing he has been living under a false identity. Keller’s continued pursuit leads him to Holly Jones (Melissa Leo), Alex’s aunt, who is revealed to be the true kidnapper.
The Conclusion
The Rescue
Detective Loki connects the dots and arrives at Holly’s house, where he finds the drugged Anna in a hidden pit. He shoots Holly in a violent confrontation, saving Anna. Meanwhile, Keller, now aware of Holly’s involvement, returns to her property but is captured and left in a concealed underground pit.
The Ambiguous Ending
Prisoners ends on an ambiguous note. After rescuing Anna, Loki hears faint whistling sounds near Holly’s property, hinting at Keller’s location. The film cuts to black before confirming whether Loki finds him, leaving Keller’s fate uncertain.
Movie Ending
Prisoners ends with the rescue of Anna Dover and the death of Holly Jones. Keller Dover’s fate is left ambiguous, as Detective Loki hears his faint whistling but the film cuts to black before confirming his discovery.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Prisoners.
Type of Movie
Prisoners is a thriller and crime drama that delves into themes of morality, desperation, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones.
Cast
- Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki
- Viola Davis as Nancy Birch
- Maria Bello as Grace Dover
- Terrence Howard as Franklin Birch
- Paul Dano as Alex Jones
- Melissa Leo as Holly Jones
- David Dastmalchian as Bob Taylor
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Jóhann Jóhannsson, whose music enhances the film’s intense and suspenseful atmosphere.
Filming Locations
Prisoners was filmed in various locations, primarily in Georgia, USA, including:
- Conyers: For several residential scenes.
- Stone Mountain: For some of the film’s key outdoor scenes.
- Atlanta: For various urban scenes.
Awards and Nominations
Prisoners received several prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins).
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins).
- Satellite Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture and Best Director (Denis Villeneuve).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal’s performances were widely praised for their emotional intensity and depth.
- The film’s realistic portrayal of moral ambiguity and the psychological impact of extreme situations resonated with audiences and critics.
- Director Denis Villeneuve and cinematographer Roger Deakins collaborated closely to create the film’s dark and gripping visual style.
Inspirations and References
Prisoners is inspired by real-life kidnapping cases and explores themes of morality, justice, and the psychological effects of trauma. The screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski was influenced by his fascination with the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of Prisoners closely follows the original script. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The initial disappearance of Anna and Joy.
- Keller’s decision to kidnap and torture Alex.
- Detective Loki’s discovery of Bob Taylor’s maze drawings and false clues.
- The tense confrontation between Loki and Holly Jones, leading to Anna’s rescue.
- The ambiguous ending with Loki hearing Keller’s faint whistling.
Iconic Quotes
- “Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.” – Keller Dover
- “We’re not going to help kill this man, Franklin.” – Nancy Birch
- “I know you know where they are. Where are they?” – Keller Dover
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film contains subtle visual motifs related to mazes, reflecting the theme of entrapment and the complexity of the investigation.
- The use of color and lighting, particularly the stark contrast between light and dark, enhances the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $46 million, and it grossed over $122 million worldwide.
- Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense performances involved significant improvisation and emotional preparation.
- The character of Detective Loki was named after the Norse god of mischief, reflecting his unconventional and persistent investigative style.
Why Watch?
Prisoners offers a gripping and emotionally intense experience, featuring standout performances, particularly by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, and masterful direction by Denis Villeneuve. Its exploration of moral ambiguity and the psychological impact of extreme situations makes it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.
Director’s Other Movies
Denis Villeneuve also directed:
