Prisoners is a 2013 thriller by Denis Villeneuve starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. It revolves around the father and his attempt to find his missing daughter after the police failure. However, in his search, the man jeopardises his life and everyone he knows. On the other hand, the detective on the case tried his best to keep things formal and use his expertise and experience to find the missing girls. But that’s only the plot of Prisoners movie, as it’s more than a suspense story—it has layers of psychological themes associated with the characters and their maze, making it an art to think about!
Without getting into the actual plot, let’s explore the symbolism of psychological and moral ambiguity in the film.
Prisoners Movie: Symbols And Psychology Of Human Condition
Psychology is fascinating when it resonates with the story and gives the viewer something more than visuals. The loss of your loved ones can change your entire being upside down. The desperation to meet your loved ones pushes the boundaries of human actions. In the film, various characters, especially the father, crumble in desperation to find his daughter. He got stuck in a maze, which is a symbol of entrapment and despair.
Moral Ambiguity And The Loss Of Faith
Morality is simple to understand and hard to follow as the characters in the film are good people, but to the point when their faith is not challenged. And the disappearance of two young girls can shake the life of any typical family. Therefore, this moral ambiguity is one of the film’s core themes, where people push their ethos to the ultimate boundaries.
The Maze Is A Symbolism For Human Life And It’s Complexity
Life is complex, challenging and far from simple. It’s like people are stuck in the middle of their maze. Also, it’s a symbol that is widely used in the Prisoners movie. Everyone was obsessed with the idea of the maze as an answer to all questions. However, there is no physical maze, as the film tries to convey the complexity of the human psyche as a metaphor through a maze or puzzle.
Emotional Landscapes Encapsulating Weather Setting Of Film
The story takes place in a place with overcast lighting—there is snow, rain and both sometimes. Everything is cold and covered in snow throughout the Prisoners movie. But this is not a coincidence but a metaphor for the frozen state of the ongoing investigation. Again, everything is white and isolated, and only sunlight/rain, as in finding the two missing children, can cleanse the place.
Religion and Redemption
The final act of the film is religious and redeeming. As the abductor finds their fate after abandoning the values of religion, the protagonist also goes through the same journey; however, they redeem themselves with a very simple act: praying. This is equivalent to someone trying their best to overcome a situation but finally realising that they’re not the one to grant anything. In the film, the father’s faith is questioned by the catastrophe. Still, he finally finds his right path after suffering and believing.
Quotes From Prisoners
Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst
Making children disappear is the war we wage with God.
Everything matters.
Final Thoughts On Prisoners Movie
“They don’t make movies like that nowadays” is a quote suitable for Prisoners. The film is an underrated gem in an age when cinema is struggling. It is a roller coaster of emotions, drama, suspense and thrill. So, if you enjoy crime and thrillers with psychological themes, it’s the best you can get.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Prisoners worth watching?
Prisoners is one of the best suspense-thriller movies ever, and it is worth your time.
Did Prisoners win an Oscar?
Prisoners movie didn’t win an Oscar but was nominated for several accolades in award ceremonies.
What is the twist in Prisoners?
The major twist in Prisoners is its sequence leading to the ending.
How long is Prisoners movie?
The Prisoners is 2 hours and 33 minutes long.
