Catherine Hardwicke is nothing if not eclectic in choosing what she directs. On the heels of “Mafia Mamma,” which came and went from theaters quickly in April, here comes “Prisoner’s Daughter,” Hardwicke’s film from TIFF last September. And expect this one to have a bit more staying power on the big screen, as it stars Brian Cox and Kate Beckinsale in two heavy-hitting roles.
“Prisoner’s Daughter’ sees Cox and Beckinsale in a torrid father/daughter relationship, as Cox’s Max, out of prison after twelves years on compassionate release due to a cancer diagnosis, tries to reunite with Beckinsale’s Maxine in Las Vegas.
Here’s an official synopsis for the film, courtesy of Vertical:
From director Catherine Hardwicke, Prisoner’s Daughter is a gritty, turbulent thriller that follows Max who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and granted a compassionate release after 12 years in prison with the condition he resides with his estranged daughter, Maxine. As a single mom desperate for income to raise her only son, Ezra, she reluctantly agrees but has no interest in reconciliation or allowing Max to have a relationship with her son. To make matters worse, Maxine also has to contend with Ezra’s father, Tyler, an abusive addict who wants more control of his son’s life. As Max seeks one last chance to redeem himself in her eyes, they must contend with his dark, violent past as it comes back to haunt them all.
Alongside Cox and Beckinsale, “Prisoner’s Daughter” also stars Tyson Ritter, Christopher Convery, Ernie Hudson, and Jon Huertas. Hardwicke directs a script by Mark Bacci.
As noted earlier, “Prisoner’s Daughter” had its world premiere last September at TIFF to mixed reviews. The Playlist’s review commented that the film is “a frustrating misfire, undone by its unfortunate scripting in the third act,” but also praised Cox and Beckinsale’s performances.
Audiences get to decide for themselves if “Prisoner’s Daughter” is up to snuff when the film hits theaters on June 30. After all, Catherine Hardwicke’s filmography is nothing if not divisive. Check out a trailer for the film below.