Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, very strong language in family redemption drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Prisoner's Daughter
What's the Story?
In PRISONER'S DAUGHTER, Maxine (Kate Beckinsale) is trying to make ends meet so she can pay for her son Ezra's (Christopher Convery) medical needs, while also keeping his father (Tyson Ritter), who has substance abuse problems, at bay. Her imprisoned father, Max (Brian Cox), gets a terminal diagnosis -- prison officials tell him he could be released early if Maxine agrees to let him live with her, but her gut tells her that he's the last person she wants around Ezra. But after her need for more money makes her reconsider, Maxine realizes that reconnecting with her dad and allowing him to make amends is exactly what they all need.
Is It Any Good?
This drama surprises as a story about a family trying to fix and put aside decades of poor decisions, alcoholism, and estrangement to give the youngest family member a shot at a decent life. Because while that premise might make you think Prisoner's Daughter is one of a dime-a-dozen gritty crime dramas, solid performances and Catherine Hardwicke's always aesthetically pleasing cinematography result in a film that will likely leave viewers saying, "Huh. Not bad!" Cox in particular stuns in his ability to elevate and humanize the role of a former mafia enforcer well beyond anything seen in The Godfather or The Sopranos. The result of Max's life choices -- which he saw as a way to financially take care of his family -- is that he was never home, leaving Maxine alone with her mother, who was dependent on alcohol and had suicidal ideation. The cycle continued, with Maxine having a child with a man who's addicted to drugs.
While it's admirable to create fully realized characters whose backstories actually make sense, the film tackles a few too many interrelationship conflicts. But it delivers a satisfying ending that doesn't let anyone off the hook.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Prisoner's Daughter shows that people sometimes repeat their parents' mistakes. Why do you think this is?
How are drinking and drug use depicted in Prisoner's Daughter? How does it compare to the way substance use is portrayed in other movies you've seen?
How does Max teach Ezra to defeat the person who's bullying him? Do you think this solution is realistic? Do you agree with it? What are some nonviolent solutions for dealing with those who bully others?
How does Max demonstrate humility? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 30, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : July 18, 2023
- Cast : Kate Beckinsale , Brian Cox , Christopher Convery
- Director : Catherine Hardwicke
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Humility
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some violence
- Last updated : July 10, 2023
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