PRISONERS: Villeneuve's BEST film? | Christian and mythic themes - Four Play Ep. 26 (Villeneuve)

In Four Play's second Denis Villeneuve film, we go back to the 2013 thriller, Prisoners. Starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal in what may be career-defining performances, Prisoners foreshadows the first season of True Detective by exploring a terrifying mystery undercut by dense symbolism. Thorin, Richard, and Monte dissect the compelling moral quandaries that serve as the foundations of the film and dive into the deeper themes of Christian behavior and ends justifying the means. Prisoners is a must-watch film and only improves on multiple viewings as the viewer better appreciates the dense foreshadowing and complex plot.
This episode of Four Play is sponsored by IntotheAM! Get all kinds of men's apparel for 10% with our code at: www.intotheam.com/lfn
Editing by Adanion
Art by Atantalas
Watch Four Play on Spotify with video: open.spotify.com/show/6EYVLm1...
Listen to Four Play on other podcast platforms:
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Google: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
Pocket casts: pca.st/4d72bsr6
iHeart: iheart.com/podcast/119075044/
Come join the Last Free Nation Discord for in-depth discussion across film and esports: / discord
Join the cultured crew by following us on all social media platforms!
⦁ KZbin: / @lastfreenationculture
⦁ Twitter: / lfnculture
⦁ Instagram: / lastfreenationculture
⦁ Tiktok: / lastfreenationculture
0:00:00 - Intro and celebrating the complexity of the plot
0:10:30 - Plot synopsis and the extremes of protecting one's family
0:19:31 - Christian symbolism, themes, and moral action
0:30:50 - The moral quandaries experienced by the viewer and the duties of parenthood
0:40:07 - Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal and the supporting cast's fantastic performances
0:58:50 - The symbolism/clues that inform the mystery and the parallels to the labyrinth myth
1:08:30 - Analyzing Christian/Norse religious themes and the film's ending
1:35:42 - Roger Deakins' cinematography and Villeneuve's visual style
1:41:06 - Holly Jones' antagonist character and final thoughts
#moviereview
#lastfreenation
#podcast

[@launders]

such a great episode, looking forward to sicario! i honestly wear my hair and a signet ring because of jakes character in this movie. legendary aesthetic. thorin did a good job breaking down the more subtle parts of the plot. i thought i loved this movie for the right reasons already but i was missing a lot.

[@AdamHamdan1]

Lau lore

[@tstartrekdude]

You guys sold Villeneuve well enough last week that we all actually watched Prisoners ahead of time. Thanks for that!

[@sleepless_160]

Same

[@IndreadColde]

Really enjoyed the concept of a director arc, as with all of fourplay it is massively helping me develop a critical eye.

[@tenstorme426]

I know it's a nevermind, but the Paul Dano character being called Alex Jones leading around his little dog Tucker? Totally buckled me

[@JxPgg]

LOL

[@astar2394]

I cant second rich's opening preface enough; you HAVE to watch this film before this podcast. What a monster of a movie. Ive watched it before but thorin is right, the second viewing is even more rewarding when you realise the answer is in front of your eyes.

[@CxerRy96]

Paul Dano was MEGA in this film too, what a beast performance

[@kernc7786]

I don't think my stomach has ever dropped as hard as when Loki detains Bob and walks into the room with a dozen locked boxes on the floor. You see that and immediately assume the worst. Incredible film.

[@The007038]

And the scene right before that when you can hear the flies but it turns out its a pigs head in the sink. that whole passage is a cinematic masterclass

[@saltifate]

i read somewhere that Jake had no idea there are going to be snakes in the boxed, so his reaction was REAL

[@Gronmin]

​@@saltifateIf I had no idea there was going to be snakes and I opened those I would have walked off set for the day fuck that lol

[@snafuv2520]

You HAVE to collate all the artwork for each series and put them on T-Shirts, Hoodies etc. Need Thorin with an M4 doing the beakface in my life.

[@JxPgg]

I did a rewatch for this episode. On the re-review, I LOVE how they essentially showed 4 different variations of how incredible grief can present itself. Each parent dealt with the situation differently, and the way they conflicted with each other. Hugh Jackman's wife essentially pushing him further into his own descent into madness, by putting impossible expectations on him "why cant YOU make her come home?" "You made me feel so safe.. like nothing could ever happen to us"

[@CryoCare]

Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival. What absolute bangers. Walked into the cinema and saw Arrival's poster. An ominous pebble with and the words, "Why are they here." Top 3 films of all time for me. You did Paul Dano dirty in the intro. Prisoners stars him, too. Highly recommend you guys look into Nocturnal Animals. Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal... A film so good, I cannot physically watch it twice.

[@pavelr.8042]

I saw this film when it came out and it was soo good I convinced my wife (girlfriend at that time) to go and watch it with me again. 10 years later we went to revisit the film, already being parents of two little kids, she endured 20 minutes. I finished, couldn't sleep well later and by the morning i knew i would too become wrath of god and press that button over and over if i heard and saw the same Hugh Jackmans character did. I knew I would lose my soul for a smallest chance of bringing my kids back. 10/10 film, absolutely insane Jackmans performance

[@misterkefir]

Easily the best episode of "Four Play" yet. Cheers, gentlemen. Appreciated.

[@KyleAPemberton]

I watched this when I was 15 so I all I remember is the intense torture sequence and the whistle bit at the end. But watching this makes me want to go back and watch it again.

[@funkerman7]

I wore Loki's hairstyle for 3 years because of this movie. I felt so cool

[@bettinggetter]

Stupid sexy Jake has me saving pictures to show to my barber

[@AaronANZ]

wow thorin is so right that the 2nd watch reveals so much

[@DavidmyGrylls]

I'm so glad Richard emphasised watching Prisoner ahead of this episode. This movie was astounding, captivating and riveting, which made this episode so much more profound and thoughtful. Thanks for this episodes gents; a real treat.

[@TheDopoqob]

Would love to see a series on Martin McDonagh movies. In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards. All great

[@astar2394]

Somehow missed banshees

[@RLewisReports]

I'll suggest it to the guys. I love all these movies.

[@trip9g]

​@@RLewisReports one could say 3 Billboards' MacDormand character is quite similar to Jackman's character in Prisoners, sure different tone, but the downfall of a downtrodden individual same path

[@Cornincarnate]

Director arc was a brilliant idea. Arrival was already in my top 3 films of the 2010s but I had never watched any of his other films. Prisoners was brilliant, looking forward to watching Sicario tomorrow.

[@Gronmin]

They did pick maybe the best current director for this to

[@PixelKatana]

I paused the video to heed Richard's advice. I'll return after watching it.

[@PixelKatana]

Just finished it. Not the best idea to watch that before work but I certainly am thankful I waited to watch it before 4Play. I don't remember the last time my emotions were stimulated to this extent.

[@Zachriris]

this was the 1st movie I did go and watch ahead of time, Rich is right the movie is a very good blind watch

[@fireelemen6163]

This movie was so great and I'm so glad Four Play brought it to my attention. The only thing I hated was how upset I was that I took so long to watch it even knowing that the podcast episode was available to watch. The acting in this movie was so amazing that when Monte was saying that Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal were main actors, I was so lost. Their performances were so strong I genuinely lost the actors in the movie and the characters were just the characters manifest.

[@juma1130]

hugh jackman almost putting a hammer through paul dano's head is such an amazing scene

[@stringerbell69]

Really great to have you guys cover this movie!

[@lcamacho15]

Really enjoyed this episode, thanks guys!

[@rooneygasparpinto3342]

Thanks for the recommends this movie is INSANE, I was at the edge of my seat the whole time and you guys commentary just added a deeper layer to it especially the religious simbolism that I didn’t get right away.

[@sleepless_160]

Super interesting discussion by you guys, I'm really enjoying it so far! But hearing Monte explain the maze at 1:00:37 made me instantly think of Shara and a goated BTN moment :D

[@Mr-fe5ng]

I watched this movie prior to watching this podcast, thanks for the recomendation and also content. I want more dark, thriller type content from you guys, this is a personal preference. Thanks again, I liked.

[@QuixoticCosmos]

For some reason I found myself thinking about the movie Insomnia. To me it’s a tier below Prisoners but it’s another crime thriller with a morally interesting character.

[@PeloquinDavid]

I presume you mean Nolan's first studio film (ie. a remake of a Swedish film by a different name). I couldn't agree with you more. Along with Memento, it still ranks very high in my favourite Nolan films. Robin Williams was a superb vilain...

[@CxerRy96]

Absolute banger movie through and through, went on a Gyllenhal marathon after it cause he was mega in it (watch his movie Nightcrawler it's so fucking good)

[@test-wo6gr]

Just watched it for this show. excellent suggestion. enjoying the more modern movies!

[@garthmiller9716]

Great recommendation; watched it after listening to the intro. Great review, loved it!

[@Bscybfan1996]

alright rich i listened to you and watched it with my gf. amazing movie, watching it i remembered seeing it years ago. but it was worth the rewatch! thanks guys! cant wait to listen to the podcast now

[@TheSonOfJoker1]

I know the 4th movie will be Dune, however would really love an episode on Enemy. That is the first Velleneuve movie I watched and the man has not missed ever since.

[@RileyBruce_]

You guys catch a lot that I didn't think about seeing this film the first time. I think I was so gripped by the horror I didn't reflect on all the overarching concepts you covered. awesome episode this flew by

[@user-cf5cy8rb5y]

i was totally confused but i finally understood it thank you. Can't wait for the dune review. nolan or fincher arc next?

[@Bartimusable]

So my take on the ending was, that they didn't make it ambiguous by choice, because that gives us, the audience that moment of uncertainty after the first whistle where we feel a certain way about him being saved and then, when it becomes apparent he WILL be saved, we get to explore why we felt that way and if him being saved actually IS a good thing. I certainly went: *whislte* "Oh nice, he'll be saved" *Loki turns* "Oh no, he won't be saved" *whistle* "Oh, nice, he'll be saved afterall *Loki looking* "wait, SHOULD he be saved? Why am i subconsciously still siding with him?"

[@al-sheikhali1284]

I still remember at the time I saw it. I turned it on thinking it was the movie with Arnold and Stallone. Where they were in prison and had to break out. So was thinking I’ll put it on before bed time to sleep early before work next day. It got caught so of guard and ended up finishing it at 3AM in the morning. Still having the rush and not being able to sleep. Will never forget that feeling! Amazing movie!

[@Rayon811]

49:38 roadhouse is so fucking amazing, i laughed at Conor every single moment he was on the screen

[@josephadcock7449]

another banger from the LFN culture channel

[@CaptnLenox]

personally I would say Incendies and Sicario are Villeneuves best but Prisoners is great too

[@PeloquinDavid]

I personally put "Incendies" near the very top too, though very few English speakers who are not serious film buffs have seen it. All those you list are seriously gut-wrenching, morally ambiguous films that seem design to stay with you for days afterwards. As a fan of Sci-Fi, though, I have to put Arrival and BR2049 near the top as well.

[@ntnm8785]

the homemade shower for alex is really similar to a confession booth

[@Bookwormhole]

For people who have seen this and liked it, Incendies is very much in the same wheelhouse as this and in my op 3 Villeneuve. GO WATCH!

[@RaytheRulerOriginal]

I was one of those guys that didn't watch the movies before for the first 8 episodes; I just can't stomach horror films but I will likely watch The Thing someday. However, I immediately watched all the film Noir picks (even went deeper and followed your recommendations for more Film Noir) and I've been watching each selection before the episodes since. Prisoners was shockingly good and it's one I definitely wouldn't have watched without Four Play. Despite the tough subject matter, it is one I could see myself rewatching to see the hints Thorin is alluding to.

[@notsofastREM]

Great episode, I'm looking forward to your discussions of the rest of Villeneuve's films. Personally, I like 'Prisoners' best, there's just something about it, closing in on perfect storytelling, with no superfluous elements to it. If you are looking for something kind of in the same ballpark as 'Prisoners' I would strongly recommend a south korean film: 'The Wailing' (2016 by Na Hong-jin). This one just stuck with me ever since I saw it a few years ago, and I can't ever get it out of my head (just like the movie you are discussing here). I would also be interested in your takes on some other south korean movies, there are some real hidden gems out there. Maybe you could do a similar series on Bong Joon Ho's films at some point? 'Mother' (2009) is the one I enjoyed the most, personally.

[@KhaoticKaos]

every LFN culture video is a blessing love you lads

[@Ivanmckt]

I enjoyed the film, mainly because of the incredible acting and ofc the directing from Villeneuve - it just didn't hit the landing for me when it came to the symbolism and the third act. I also never felt like I had this internal dilemma about Keller taking Alex hostage cause he was complicit, even though I can see what the film is trying to convey. Still a great watch, just was on the nose at certain points. 7/10

[@cryfest]

Good movie, waiting for Kaufman theme. Synecdoche hype.

[@Blacktimus]

I first saw this film randomly on TV and was amazed with the quality, watched it a few times since. Easily my favourite Villeneuve film, despite being so hard to watch.

[@lets_go_me]

You guys didn't specifically touch on this, but I just want to say how glad I was this movie didn't over explore the trope of having you question if the Hugh Jackman character was actually seeing and hearing the things that Alex Jones did infront of him. Since it does leave it open briefly, and because I had seen Enemy before this (which I did not like), I personally felt a lot of dread when Alex Jones strangled the dog. It seemed so unrealistic to me in comparison to all the other events previous in the movie. Even after finishing the movie I think it is just a weak and unnecessary scene. I thought it potentially would be used in a pay off where he made it up in his head to justify his actions in a dumb twist. I think most unreliable narrator twists are cheap feeling and or obvious. I think this movie is significantly stronger thematically and more gut wrenching because it made sure you knew he was of sound mind at all times.

[@aardee175]

One thing that jumps out to me is that over the past few months, as I've watched more and more movies. There seems to be something about movies that's similar to VR, as in when people say they are still getting their "VR legs", it's kinda similar in the sense, to be able to appreciate a wider variety of movies and to keep up with an intricate/delicate/nuanced plot, you need to have your "Movie legs" under you, or it'll be really hard to appreciate it.

[@ventsiR]

this has become one of my favourite movies of all time thank you

[@Youtubehandle1489]

Been looking forward to this review. Prisoners is a great movie.

[@calebs2449]

No Incendies review? His best IMO

[@aardee175]

One of the best movies I've ever watched. Thanks a lot guys

[@alexsaraff4613]

I interpreted the ending as ambiguous. He hears the whistling, but it could be brushed off as a sound from the nearby forest. I don't know if it changes anything about the interpretation of the whole film, but to me it wasn't obvious that he'd be found.

[@astar2394]

that's what I thought as well

[@Falendil]

You can tell by the look in his eyes that he definitely isn't going to brush it off, I watched the scene 5 mins ago

[@aladin7736]

this movie showcases all the strenghts and none of the weaknesses of Villeneuve directing, whereas his scifi movies unfortunately do (stil good movies). I think in many ways you see his brilliance when he can concentrate on a small cast of characters, and a simple storyline and he can only focus on building tension and creating a memorable moral conflict that the viewer can also get into.

[@Gronmin]

I think the faith aspect of the movie is more about the extremes that faith can drive people to. Also it's about faith in others as once Jackman gets put in the hole and gets his faith back. Yes he is now putting his faith in god to get his daughter back but also Gyllenhaal and at the end he is putting his faith in Gyllenhaal to get him out of the hole by blowing the whistle. And it isn't until Jackman starts to put his faith in others that things go well for him with both he and his daughter being found. Also Gyllenhaal's faith in his boss to keep his eye on the suspect. Gyllenhaal even says that it's ok if you weren't able to do it, just tell me that be honest or trust me enough to tell me. Or also like a confession of weakness

[@TheDopoqob]

Intro convinced me to watch the movie. Best decision I made all weekend.

[@naotonaoto6761]

I havn't seen any of the movies reviewed on this channel. See you guys next week!

[@shaise]

bro I cant stand it how people say they're fans but dont mention Jakes Gyllenhaal best movie "Bubble Boy"

[@Chilb0ng]

Can you guys talk about Incendies? It's one of my favourite film from him!

[@johanfredriksvendsen8482]

Was not all that impressed nor interested in Sicario when I saw it the first time and did not bother watching the second one, but this movie is a masterpiece that I probably would not have rewatched for some time if not for this show. Gonna watch Sicario the coming week and hopefully some years experience and a better appreciation for Villeneuve will allow me to enjoy it.

[@kurtmcfc1629]

I remember watching it when it came out, thought it was 10/10 movie then.. was even better on the re-watch.

[@thomasglas3613]

This episode harrowed me with fear and wonder.

[@cowboyevan]

I like the take that the movie is condemning those to don’t earnestly participate in their faith, but if that’s the case then the Priest character is not redeemed. He did not earnestly follow his faith if he was molesting children. I do not think his character is at all redeemed just because he helped, as he would never have done so if he weren’t forced to. The body in his basement was there for so long that they couldn’t get dental records off of it.

[@theonehitko]

I love the director arcs. Personally makes me more inclined to watch the film

[@AM2K2]

Cheers

[@Gronmin]

Personally I don't watch all of the movies you guys cover because either it's hard for me to get a hold of legally or I have no interest in the film but I'm interested to hear why you guys think it's worth watching. I've seen about half of the movies you've covered before hand and have ended up watching about a quarter of them after the fact because you guys ended up selling me on it

[@Str0b3l]

Love Prisoners, such a good movie Even better than three billboards outside ebbing missouri

[@charleston7717]

This film is would you trade everything for the truth? Reflects how some people were treated by their families, communities, and friends for their steadfast outlook on recent events

[@Cr3at1vem1nd]

As a father, fuck you for making me watch this movie. Keep up the good work.

[@MatDuJardin]

great movie

[@lucsalander]

Everytime I watch these analyses on youtube I realize that I've missed the point of these movies feels bad to be dumb tbh

[@endrof1264]

I hope you guys end up watching Incendies even if you don't review it because it is an excellent movie.

[@jakuzzzi]

🔥

[@Gronmin]

I knew this episode was coming and had to rewatch it before this episode. All I gotta is damn I remember it being good but not that good holy fuck

[@Joe-mg2ih]

Okay but Martyrs isn't just torture porn ie Hostel. It's just trying to do something and misses on execution in some places.

[@reysolo3672]

Oh Gosh Can I trust you on this Richard? six hours later.... :O

[@bettinggetter]

Now get to watching the other ones recommended in the video, The Prestige, The Fountain, Nightcrawler, all are worth anyone's time

[@Cobraplato]

Compare hugh jackmans performance to Sean penn in mystic river

[@apatshe8188]

Alright I've watched the film now Richard.... Yeh... good call 😂

[@silvafangtv]

PLEASE WATCH THIS MOVIE BEFORE WATCHING THIS PODCAST. PLEASE

[@ElverGalarga-1]

I was gonna raw dog this one but the RL warning made me click off. Thanks mate !

[@ElverGalarga-1]

I'm back 😅

[@HeLLraiSa911]

👍

[@shaunstrachan]

I've watched every episode under this show but I have not watched/rewatched a single film. I've maybe seen 1 in 10 movies that are covered. I'm sorry.

[@nubbinthemonkey]

Just finished the movie 30 seconds ago. Fuck. Jesus.

[@aardee175]

Don’t get whole class thing Richard brought. You have to be kinda messed up to think of that while you’re watching it. The other parents didn’t “get” Keller do their dirty work for them, wtf

[@astar2394]

They didnt get him to do it, but they certainly didn't stop him either... they can sleep easy knowing they didn't lay a finger on the disabled kid

[@aardee175]

@@astar2394 The other Dad was the most tore up about the situation and clearly felt for the disabled boy, and the wife didn’t have the stomach to do it herself either. If you remove Keller from the situation, no one would have laid a finger on the disabled kid at all. That said they both knew they were complicit in that kid’s torture, they can just rest a little easier than Keller knowing that they weren’t the ones torturing him.

[@6reen6uy]

Terrence howard can act, but man has he lost his box.

[@Jdubayou]

It's a shame when so much talent is wasted on a complete moron. Him on Rogan's podcast was peak "stupid guy that thinks he is smarter than everybody else"

[@melodic_ez0657]

algo comment

[@angusyoungman1]

No plotholes Thorin? How about no one is capable completing sentences? The priest can’t say anything about the guy who is dead in his house (husband to the active kidnapper), the boy getting tortured for days can’t say “it’s my aunt”, the black girl can only mumble, everybody is mute on this movie lol.

[@Spanishell]

1:08:57 Monte saying Denis Villeneuve is not American is so American. Only US people think only the USA is America. News flash Monte, Canada is also America and so is Mexico.

[@astar2394]

As someone not from the USA i have never ever heard someone refer to a Canadian as an "American". I can guarantee you ask anyone to point on a map where an american is from and they would point to USA not canada

[@Spanishell]

@@astar2394 In Spain we do.

[@astar2394]

@@Spanishell you just told me that 'Only US people think only the USA is America'. That is clearly not true

[@Spanishell]

You are right.

[@astar2394]

@@Spanishell for what it's worth, I think its kinda cool that Spaniards call Canadians 'Americans'. I can't tell who would be more upset, those from Canada, or USA 😂