Roger Deakins’ cinematography perfectly captures the cold, bleak setting of Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners, the acclaimed director‘s first English-language film. The story begins when two young girls go missing under suspicious circumstances. When the police investigation drags on, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) decides to search for his daughter and her friend himself. Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) warns Dover against meddling, especially when Dover shows signs of physical and mental anguish.
As Dover buries himself deeper and deeper in the mystery, the word “prisoners” begins to take on more meanings. All the while, Deakins’ masterful cinematography keeps viewers captivated by the film’s quiet suspense, spurts of action, and unexpected flashes of violence. Here are thirteen of the best stills from Prisoners.
