Written by Aaron Guzikowski, "Prisoners" focuses on what happens to two families, when their daughters are kidnapped on Thanksgiving day. Gyllenhaal plays the detecive tasked with finding the young girls, with Paul Dano and Melissa Leo acting in supporting roles. Guzikowski's script, which was listed on the 2009 Black List of best unproduced screenplays, has long held interest among Hollywood's elite, with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale and Mark WWahlberg all circling the film at one time or another. According to Deadline.com awards guru Pete Hammond, at least, the infatuation with "Prisoners" was warranted. He hailed the film as "an instant Oscar contender."
The news of Alex's release infuriates Keller, who decides to take matters into his own hands. He stalks Alex, who lives with his reclusive aunt, played by Oscar-winner Melissa Leo. We are left to watch Keller as he does what he feels is necessary to find the missing children, no matter what the cost to him, their families, or to Alex. Dano and Leo both turn in astonishing performances in "Prisoners," as does Jackman, who follows up his Oscar-nominated role in Les Miseables with another role that could score him yet another Oscar nod. "Prisoners" is a great film but it is also a difficult film, and that's a testament to director Denis Villeneuve. It takes a brilliant mind to balance the dark twists and turns "Prisoners" takes, enveloping the audience in fear and disgust while also managing to entertain and keeps us guessing. "Prisoners," which clocks in at over 150 minutes, is set for release nationwide on Sept 20. The film will next screen at the Toronto International Film Festival.