Prisoners (2013)

Denis Villeneuve's relentless psychological thriller about two missing girls, a father's desperation, and the terrifying cost of justice.

Prisoners - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Prisoners
  • Release Year: 2013
  • Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime
  • Age Rating (US): R
  • Runtime: 2h 33m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 19, 2013 (United Arab Emirates), September 20, 2013 (United States - R), September 20, 2013 (Canada - 14A), September 27, 2013 (United Kingdom - 15), October 9, 2013 (Germany - 16), October 9, 2013 (France - 12), September 27, 2013 (India - A), October 17, 2013 (New Zealand - R16), October 17, 2013 (Australia - MA15+), October 18, 2013 (Brazil - 16), November 8, 2013 (Mexico - B15), November 7, 2013 (Italy - VM14), October 11, 2013 (Spain - 16), October 2, 2013 (South Korea - 19)
  • Alternative Titles: プリズナーズ:2013 (JP), Zmiznutie (SK), زندانیان (IR), Prisioneros (ES), Os Suspeitos (BR), La sospecha (AR), Vangitut (FI), Գերիներ (AM)
  • Production Companies: Alcon Entertainment, 8:38 Productions, Madhouse Entertainment
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Prisoners - Plot

Keller Dover is facing every parent's worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had earlier been parked on their street.

Prisoners - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold from the very first frame:

Every moment matters.

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Prisoners - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Denis Villeneuve

Main Cast

  • Hugh Jackman
  • Jake Gyllenhaal
  • Viola Davis
  • Maria Bello
  • Terrence Howard
  • Melissa Leo
  • Paul Dano
  • Dylan Minnette
  • Zoë Soul
  • Erin Gerasimovich

Writers

  • Aaron Guzikowski

Producers

  • Kira Davis
  • Adam Kolbrenner
  • Andrew A. Kosove
  • Broderick Johnson

Prisoners - FAQs

What is the ending of Prisoners explained?

At the film's end, Detective Loki discovers that Holly Jones — the wife of the man Keller Dover had been tormenting — is the true kidnapper. Loki rescues Joy and finds Keller trapped in a pit beneath Holly's car. The film closes ambiguously, leaving Keller's fate uncertain as Loki hears a faint whistle.

Where can you stream Prisoners online?

Prisoners is available to stream on FilmBox+ and to watch for free on Fawesome. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.

Is Prisoners based on a true story?

Prisoners is not based on a specific true story. Screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski drew on themes of parental fear, moral ambiguity, and vigilante justice to craft an original narrative. However, the film's raw emotional realism and procedural detail have led many viewers to assume it was inspired by real events.

Who are the main actors in Prisoners?

Prisoners features Hugh Jackman as desperate father Keller Dover and Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki. The ensemble cast also includes Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, and Paul Dano, all delivering powerful performances in this intense crime thriller.

Did Prisoners win any awards?

Prisoners earned widespread critical acclaim and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography, recognizing Roger Deakins' stunning work. The film also won multiple critics' circle awards and was nominated at the BAFTAs, cementing its status as one of the finest thrillers of the 2010s.

What is the age rating for Prisoners?

Prisoners is rated R in the United States for disturbing violent content including torture, language, and thematic material involving the abduction of children. It carries a 15 certificate in the UK, a 14A rating in Canada, and similar mature audience classifications across other international markets.

How long is Prisoners?

Prisoners has a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes (153 minutes). Its extended length allows Denis Villeneuve to build sustained tension and develop complex characters, making the film feel immersive rather than overlong — a deliberate pacing choice praised by critics and audiences alike.

Who directed Prisoners and what are similar films?

Prisoners was directed by Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed Canadian filmmaker behind Sicario, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049. Fans of Prisoners often enjoy similar films such as Zodiac (2007), Gone Girl (2014), Shutter Island (2010), Nightcrawler (2014), and Villeneuve's own Enemy (2014).

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