Prisoner's Daughter

This was unexpectedly entertaining; I think I can congratulate the film makers on successfully breaking out of the infamous Hollywood comfort zone and for a refreshing change trying to show real-world people dealing with the bad choices they have made and the price it cost their families.

Pros:

• characters we could relate to (at last!)
• well paced and believable story

Cons:

• story a bit old and cliched
• shaky camera (not again!)
• female lead's fake lips on top of quite visible makeup that contradicted her role
• too sugary sometimes

I'm rating it 6 but it's actually a compliment coming from me. Most movies these days I don't even bother to rate and turn off after 10 to 15 minutes of runtime.

... Kate Beckinsale and Brian Cox control-completely the narrative and this movie... a basic uncomplicated story, parts having been told many times before... done very well, it has an obvious ending, and is a film that you're in all probability not going to be watching again, not that it isn't good, for it is

... Kate Beckinsale this year now fifty-years-old and still remains one of the most charming beautiful women in films... she can act the hell out of any part and here along with Brian Cox there are several very powerful scenes together.... prolific in her work, it takes awhile going through reading-her-wiki-bio (Pete Davidson..??)... she's the consummate-professional-actor-star

... enjoy-the film.

"Prisoner's Daughter" is an emotionally charged drama that explores the complex themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Directed by auteur filmmaker, the movie takes audiences on an intimate journey through the lives of its characters, providing a thought-provoking and poignant cinematic experience.

The film centers around a terminally ill prisoner who is granted the opportunity to spend his remaining weeks under house arrest with his estranged daughter and her 12-year-old son. The narrative delves deep into the complexities of their relationships, gradually unraveling the pain, regrets, and missed opportunities that have plagued their lives.

The strength of "Prisoner's Daughter" lies in its exceptional performances. The cast delivers raw and captivating portrayals that lend authenticity to the characters' emotional struggles. The terminally ill prisoner, played by a seasoned actor, delivers a compelling and nuanced performance, skillfully capturing the character's inner turmoil, vulnerability, and desire for redemption. The chemistry between the actors playing the estranged daughter and her son adds depth to the story, providing moments of genuine warmth and heartfelt connection.

The movie's pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' emotional journey. The director skillfully weaves together moments of tension, tenderness, and reflection, creating a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout. The cinematography beautifully captures the somber atmosphere, utilizing a subdued color palette that enhances the melancholic tone of the story.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its exploration of complex familial dynamics. "Prisoner's Daughter" delves into the intricacies of forgiveness and the long-lasting impact of past mistakes. Through heartfelt conversations and emotional confrontations, the characters are forced to confront their own demons and find a way to heal their fractured relationships. The movie's message of redemption and the power of familial love resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

While "Prisoner's Daughter" is undoubtedly a captivating film, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes and predictable plot points. Some viewers may find certain aspects of the storyline formulaic or predictable, which slightly detracts from the overall impact of the film. However, the outstanding performances and the film's ability to evoke genuine emotions more than compensate for these minor shortcomings.

In conclusion, "Prisoner's Daughter" is a heartfelt and emotionally charged drama that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the pursuit of redemption. With stellar performances and a poignant narrative, the film successfully tugs at the heartstrings while prompting introspection about the power of forgiveness. Despite a few predictable moments, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Everyone knows Brian Cox is an excellent actor, and holds an audience...but Kate Beckinsale? She was superb.

The whole cast was excellent. This was the most unlikely best movie of 2023 for me. Just heart-rending, and real.

It surprises me that people have criticised the script. It was very accurate, and portrayed how each character would have played out: the smart kid, the bullies, the drugged up ex, the angry daughter, the ex con. Also, life in Las Vegas. Lack of jobs, having to work multiple jobs, life without credit. Exhausting and - I don't know how they did it - Ms. Beckinsale looked exhausted!

I hope the actors get the credit they deserve, along with the Director.

This film is basically a showcase for Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale. If it wasn't for their acting talent, this would have been torture to sit through. The story is basic and the dialouge can feel stilted more often than not. The plot devices used here are also as stale as a day old hot dog. Been there, seen it, got the movie ticket. I would like to mention that the only thing keeping me from rating this a 3 instead of a 2.5 is the ending. It didn't feel natural with the story and felt like a cop out for all the emotion the audience is asked to invest throughout.

Overall, you could do better and you could do worse. This film is very middle of the road entertainment, no matter how talented it's lead actors are. The material just never rises about mediocrity.

2.5 dirtbag dads out of 5.