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Prisoners (2013)
Aspects masterful; aspects muddled
This movie began with a lot of promise with an interesting look at the ethical choices of a victim's family. The blurred line between Us versus them was nicely depicted, Hugh Jackman was believable as an enraged father, and the families deconstruction after a tragedy was well depicted in the first half of the film.
Jake Gyllenhaal's character was well-played charismatic and compelling to watch. The problems began when plot twist seem to be written in for the sake of shock value, and we're not believable. The motive of the abductions and or killings was so convoluted it seemed silly, and all the psychological tension that had been built up was lost the more motive was revealed.
I found the depiction of mental illness in one of the victims, Bob, insulting and unrealistic, and utterly cliched.
Yet despite all this, still very compelling to watch well directed (if not written), and still explored many issues of moral ambiguity.
Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
Beautiful, well-acted, unrealistic depiction of mental illness
This movie was wonderful to look at, wonderfully acted. Even the villains had sympathetic characters. However, the depiction of mental illness as either dysfunctional or catatonic, vs "all fine" was became less nuanced as the film progressed, and made light of what began as an complex depiction of mental illness and the way patients are treated. The movies rating would be higher if that complexity and ambiguity in patient versus care giver continued until the end of the film. Ben Kingsley in particular was stunning and played his character in a believable powerful way.
Prospect (2018)
Concise, harrowing and beautifully done Sci Fi
Creates a world that is rich, deep, beautiful, strange and believable. This film remembers that people don't have to be heroes in a Sci Fi universe. Elegantly concentrates on the compelling aspects of survival and the social needs of humans. Immersive and memorable