Prisoner's Daughter (2022) User Reviews

Reasonably good

[anton-duzenko · 6/10 · 4 July 2023]

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.

A great film, well worth watching.

[nlanglois-14705 · 7/10 · 23 July 2023]

I have to admit, I watched this because I fancy Kate Beckinsale so much, and she has never disappointed in her acting in any film I've watched.

With this film, dont expect an all action Hollywood run of the mill action blockbuster, its more of a thoughtful film with beautiful performances from Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale, among others.

It will make you think about the characters lives, as well as your own, and is a refreshing change from the average fair from Hollywood.

A beautifully acted, well written, well directed little gem of a film, that is such a refreshing change.

Watch this, you won't be disappointed.

good acting in uneven writing

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 12 July 2023]

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.

Beckinsale and Cox with a great performance

[GCBicki · 7/10 · 9 July 2023]

Bot lead actors, Kate Beckinsale and Brian Cox, have always been dear to me. So it was a no-brainer I would watch this. The story is straight forward, simple, yet easy to relate.

Beckinsale really shows she is not just a pretty face but a very skilled actress. She is very believable in her role as single mom of a great kid with epilepsy. I was impressed by her and will rate her performance a solid 9. Also Brian Cox filled his role as dying convict nicely. Their interaction felt true to life.

Family dramas like this are not for everyone. One can debate the entertainment value. It's more a very believable real-life story that can teach us some valuable lessons.

Interesting love Brian Cox

[casienorth-49515 · 7/10 · 28 July 2023]

Give it a watch, it will surprise you. Brian Cox was great, a fairly similar role for him, rough tough old man. The kid was good, great acting for what he had to do. Kate Beckinsale, she was good and I didn't expect her not to be but the one thing my husband and I laughed at was her wardrobe. She was fantastic and so was her clothing! Amazing even. And for a mom financially struggling to be wearing couture was a little funny. Overall good movie but ended abruptly after what was I guess a long front story. Guess they ran out of editing time. Anyway good but definitely watch for the outfits of a "struggling single mom".

Poignant & gripping cinematic tale

[majeddossary · 7/10 · 6 October 2023]

"Prisoner's Daughter" is a poignant and gripping cinematic tale that delves into the complex themes of redemption, family, and the enduring power of love. The movie offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of a father and grandfather seeking to atone for their past mistakes.

The character development is exceptional, with the protagonist's journey from a troubled past to a hopeful future being the film's emotional anchor. The lead actor delivers a compelling performance, capturing the essence of a man desperate to break free from the chains of his past transgressions.

The exploration of the father-daughter relationship is especially touching, showcasing the universal theme of a parent's desire to protect and make amends for their actions. The movie's impactful narrative leaves a lasting impression, reminding audiences of the power of forgiveness and the potential for redemption, even in the face of a troubled history.

"Prisoner's Daughter" is a must-watch for those seeking an emotional and thought-provoking cinematic experience, leaving viewers reflecting on the complexities of human nature and the paths we choose towards redemption.

Redemption Narrative without High Stakes

[mshockle · 6/10 · 4 October 2023]

I thought about not finishing it about 10 minutes into the movie. The premise is pretty straightforward, and the writing is decent if you suspend disbelief. I'm sorry but if you're getting beaten up no sane guidance counselor is going to put it on your record unless maybe the parent/guardian is absentee and no one cares (at most they'll make a notation of the incident and move on). Mother while visibly annoyed and pointing this out just sort of takes the guidance counciler repeating the same thing again as the end of that matter lol (oversimplification).

This is pretty indicative of the rest of the story, there's some truth there and a redemption narrative that attempts to flesh out the characters with Cox passing on his worldly knowledge to the boy and repairing his familial relationship. I liked it up to the last say 10 minutes when dipshit dad abducts the boy and for some reason we need to suspend belief again as calling the cops is NOT on the table. It sets up the final redemption arc that puts away dad for good at the expense of Cox's life (I mean he was going to die anyway right?). I'm sure dad will do just fine in THAT prison.

Overall, it seems that the whole redemption narrative was done perhaps halfway through the movie or at the very least fully when they went to that pool... so the ending kind of made sense just because there would have been nothing left to do for 15 minutes. Yet... if you think about it, dad's friend wasn't exactly a fighter, and dad himself wasn't really a threat (no signs of possession of a knife or gun). Even in his delusion, had the cops been called AND he tried to flee to Tijuana the kid would have been recovered, he would have been arrested, potentially mandatory drug counciling/testing and a restraining order put out not to approach the kid till he got his stuff together then ofc granddad dies and where's the eulogy.

A decent movie, but just a missed opportunity to tighten up the script and give it a little more soul. I suppose the only real gem is that since the kid has already proven himself by kicking his two new bestfriend's asses that if anyone picks on him for his party being ruined will think twice.

A powerful and emotional film about redemption and forgiveness

[ergo-58534 · 10/10 · 13 July 2023]

Prisoner's Daughter is a film that explores the complex and painful relationship between a father and a daughter who have been estranged for years. The film stars Brian Cox as Max, a former criminal who is released from prison after 12 years when he learns he has only months to live. He moves in with his daughter Maxine (Kate Beckinsale), a single mother who works as a nurse and struggles to raise her son Ezra (Christopher Convery), who suffers from epilepsy. Maxine is reluctant to let her father back into her life, as she blames him for ruining her childhood and abandoning her. Max, on the other hand, wants to make amends and bond with his grandson, who he sees as his last chance for redemption.

The film is a moving and realistic portrayal of a family trying to heal from the wounds of the past. The film does not shy away from showing the dark and violent side of Max's character, nor does it sugarcoat the resentment and anger that Maxine feels towards him. The film also does not offer easy solutions or clichéd twists, but rather focuses on the gradual and difficult process of reconciliation and forgiveness. The film is driven by the superb performances of its lead actors, who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Cox is brilliant as Max, a man who is haunted by his regrets and fears, but also shows glimpses of tenderness and humor. Beckinsale is equally impressive as Maxine, a woman who is strong and independent, but also vulnerable and conflicted. Convery is also adorable as Ezra, a sweet and smart boy who forms a bond with his grandfather.

Prisoner's Daughter is a film that will touch your heart and make you think about the meaning of family and love. It is a film that shows that it is never too late to change and to forgive. It is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated.

Prisoners to a cliche

[paudieconnolly · 5/10 · 10 July 2023]

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.

K-Beck is back!

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 9/10 · 5 July 2023]

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.

Great performances are hindered by a ho-hum plot

[nicolasroop · 5/10 · 5 July 2023]

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.

Best emotional family entertainer 💕💕💕

[Alien901 · 9/10 · 5 July 2023]

"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.

I don't want to know

[nogodnomasters · 4/10 · 10 August 2023]

Max (Brian Cox) is a model prisoner and is loved by his fellow inmates. We discover he was a boxer and had killed at least one man. He was a few months to live as he is dying from cancer. He is allowed to live with his daughter Maxine (Kate Beckinsale) on house arrest if she accepts. She initially refuses, but she needs the money to get medication for her son Ezra (Christopher Convery). Ezra, known as "Twitcher" to the school bullies has epilepsy. Max works hard to mend the relationship he never had with his daughter. She also has issue with her ex-husband a drum playing addict who insists on seeing his son.

You had a good idea where things are going to go. Good acting, lame script.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Wow touched the core my soul

[hannahlowdon · 10/10 · 8 July 2023]

What a beautiful, touching film! I thought it would be average but what a nice little Saturday night find ! ! So worth a watch, I'm a tough cookie to please and I will turn films off if I'm not grabbed in 10 -15 minutes ! This kept me wanting to see more and more about the love, redemption and forgiveness this movie demonstrates. 10/10 which I know is a bold statement. Maybe it home with me and I'm sure many people can relate to this movie. We all make choices and all come at a cost, but to see a man put his wrongs right is a powerful message to todays society! Both men women alike. Great acting from the three main characters ! I never realised how actors have an impact on mankind, maybe it's a calling who knows. Give this movie a shot and you won't be disappointed unless you're a person who's in the wrong and not ready to do what's right !

Brilliant

[louisethompson-53584 · 10/10 · 7 July 2023]

This film was unlike what I was expecting to watch. It is an amazing story about second chances. It's a tear jerker for sure but I would definitely recommend this film.

The acting was so good between Kate Beckinsale and Brian Cox. It showed how a lot of family relationships are due to addiction but that there is hope that someone can change.

I thought I was going to a film about something different than how it was portrayed, I was half expecting someone who is released and goes back inside but I really enjoyed this film and I am not usually one for watching drama's but something made watch it and I am glad I did. I would highly recommend this film to anyone.

Hidden Gem

[sng-patterson · 9/10 · 31 July 2023]

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.

... two-pros doin-what-they-do

[bjarias · 8/10 · 2 October 2023]

... 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.

A touching and instructive story👍👍👍

[Democrit · 8/10 · 11 October 2023]

This is a touching family drama about remorse and redemption, mistakes that must be paid for. The main character seeks to establish relations with his family, to give all his fatherly love and care that he could not give in the past, and what he is capable of to make self-sacrifice for the sake of redemption. The film reveals the conflict between parents and children and offers a solution: it's never too late to be kind and loving, there are only difficult obstacles created by man himself, but they can be overcome, even if it seems impossible.

There is a female cast in the film, but the story is touching, and I don't pay attention to gender. The character of the boy's father is too negative, of course, it was done for the sake of the plot, but I couldn't believe it, although it probably happens, but still it is necessary to give prerequisites for all actions, yes, they were... but they are too rude. The film is wonderful! It's a good story, my heart responded, and I was worried along with the characters.👍👍👍 I am very happy with the viewing. Heroes.👍👍👍 I am very happy with the viewing.

WOW very emotional and heartfelt

[jackporter-72355 · 10/10 · 25 December 2023]

Wow I was not expecting this movie to end the way it did in a good way Max would give his life to get Tyler imprisoned and to give Maxine and Erza peace of mind and hopefully Tyler will learn his lesson and hopefully get life in prison. I laughed when Tyler entered the same cell block that Max was in looking at Max's old cell mates knowing that they were going to give him a "lesson" on wife beating and kidnapping the lesson being beaten by them or not who knows I guess Max went out in a good way he asked his daughter to take Erza and go so that they didn't witness Tyler beating Max up an amazing movie.

A must see!!!

[jojoka-evhay · 10/10 · 7 January 2024]

What a beautifully told story about the loss of a father, when he goes to prison years ago for unspeakable crimes.

Because he is very ill, the elderly man gets out and stays with his daughter and grandson. This family is able to find healing and redemption when they look beyond the sins of the past and search their hearts for love, compassion and forgiveness! Have a box of tissues handy and enjoy this heartwarming drama with someone you love! The acting is top notch!

I find myself dozing off many times when I try to watch a movie, but not during this one! Even my hubby stayed awake! We BOTH LOVED IT!!

Prisoners Daughter

[hotwheelerd-52603 · 8/10 · 6 January 2024]

This was not that bad it was pretty good. It had a pretty good cast. Brian Cox as the main character grandfather out of prison staying with daughter and her son. It was pretty cool because she was really angry with Daddy about being locked up for twelve years and being such a drug head and drunk all her life. But being locked up for the twelve years daddy woke up. I like how he came back to really helping the daughter and her son out. Love how she kept on fighting him down. But when her so called drug head ex shows up twice he lets him have it old school. Love the very ending when her ex was stupid enough to take his bat from him and kill him. Well when he shows up to prison all the looks on all the faces. I don't think he will last a week. Even the guards are looking at him like he was a dead man.