The first trailer for Denis Villeneuve‘s Prisoners was unexpectedly impressive; personally, a kidnapping thriller led by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal — dependable performers though they may be — is not something to put right on the personal radar. But with a different-from-the-pack set-up, some crisp framing by Denis Villeneuve and, not to forgot, the work he’s getting out of Roger Deakins, there’s reason to give this one a shot.
And while by no means does it need a new preview less than one month out from the original, Prisoners continually looks like a real standout among some of that September, pre-awards season crowd. Packed into 150 seconds is, more than most of what studios are putting out, some mystery, intensity, horror, more nice visuals — little that doesn’t create anticipation. Please, don’t be a previews-only deal.
The trailer can be seen below:
Synopsis:
Keller Dover is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His 6-year-old daughter and her young friend are missing, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had been parked on their street. Heading the investigation, Detective Loki arrests its driver, but a lack of evidence forces the only suspect’s release. Knowing his child’s life is at stake, the frantic Dover decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. The desperate father will do whatever it takes to find the girls, but in doing so, may lose himself, begging the question: When do you cross the line between seeking justice and becoming a vigilante?
Also starring Paul Dano, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Maria Bello, and Viola Davis, Prisoners opens on September 20th.
With two previews in the bag, what do you make of Prisoners?