Jake Gyllenhall has the sort of mouth that always looks like it's smiling, which makes dramatic scenes kind of awkward, especially as he's supposed to be the officer in charge of a kidnapping case. In this, he's very believable as a police officer in the way he draws his gun (reminiscent perhaps of End of Watch (2012) - David Ayer, when Gyllenhall also played a police officer) and his constant twitches made his character a real human being without giving too much away about his back story. Hugh Jackman was equally good, and well supported by the "other" father, played by Terrence Howard. The on screen chemistry between the two was very believable. One, a struggling carpenter, the other, a well to do probable office worker trying to look out for his mate on Thanksgiving, until the tables are turned and Jackman has to use his brutishness to find their kids.
But I think we all know that the real star of the show is Paul Dano, who really puts the performance in. His little screen time really makes us feel bad for the guy, even if he has kidnapped the girls. No spoilers, but I defy anyone to watch this film and not feel horrible for him (even with what he does to the dog - yelp!).
A beautiful film, and you know what? Fuck it: five stars.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
