Prisoner's Daughter

Brian Cox put's in a great performance. But Not enough to save the movie.

One dimensional a very predictable redemption story that needed a few more twists and turns. That only arrive in the closing moments.

Kate Beckinsale is good in the role to. Has a struggling single mum. To a boy who needs strength to find his place in the world. A role model not available from his junkie dad. Finds a role model hero in his newly realised from prison Grand father .

That is the level of cliches used this movie. It's is a shame It had the potential and the cast to be much better offering. Easy watch. Worth viewing for some good acting.

Wow this little gem was surprisingly better than expected, especially my going into this with low expectations due to the poor critics reviews. I do understand the negativity, and it all boils down to amateur-quality filmmaking. Experienced director Catherine Hardwicke did a lousy job with this film in so many aspects. It felt like I was watching a B film by a newb amateur director that was made for TV. Hardwicke didn't bring out the best atmosphere in many scenes, nor the urgency or tension where it was required, and she surely failed in directing her cast effectively to bring out the best in her lead actors, but thankfully, they still managed to carry the entire film on their backs. A better director could've made this film stand out from all the rest.

Fairly-newb writer Mark Bacci didn't reinvent the wheel, but still managed to create a heart-warming and gut-wrenching screenplay about family dynamics. The pacing was a little slow, but the 100 min runtime flies by with the easy to follow narrative and the engaging performances. You will catch yourself cheering, smiling, even some laughs, and some tears will be shed along the way. It's a great story, and it was told well.

Beckinsale and Cox, as well as Convery as the young Ezra give outstanding and convincing performances with great chemistry between them. For that matter, all casting and performances were exceptional. Everyone knows Cox is an amazing actor especially from the Succession series, but Beckinsale is the one that really shines in this film because she actually has a role that allows her to show her full range - which impressed me a lot, an not just slicing and dicing vampires as she's know for in the Underworld franchise.

This is by far one of my favorite films this year, it's just too bad a better director wasn't tasked to bring out what this film could've been. It's certainly one of the better films that has heart and soul in it that I've seen in a very long time, especially one that isn't beefed up by Hollywood shoe-shine. It's a must-see from me, and I'll for sure be watching this one again with family and friends. Hopefully K-Beck gets some nominations for her compelling performance. It's a well deserved 9/10 from me.

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.

"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.

Max (Brian Cox) is a prisoner dying from cancer. He can be given compassionate release if his daughter Maxine (Kate Beckinsale) is willing to take him in. She hates him for abandoning her to her unstable mother. She is a struggling single mom to Ezra who is being bullied at school. Her ex is a volatile drug addict.

This is directed by Catherine Hardwicke. The story is somewhat derivative. Everything feels a little flat. There is a lack of high intensity stake to the material. Max is dying which eliminates the largest possible stake for him. That is why the ending doesn't have the intended tension. Mostly, I like this for the greatness that is Brian Cox. Honestly, I didn't even recognize Kate Beckinsale. I thought she was a lesser known Latina actress. The actors are all doing good work. The writing is a little uneven, but it doesn't sink this for me.