It is a challenge to make a movie that promotes contemplative thinking both during and after viewing, and when such a cinematic feat is unexpectedly created, the world should take notice and enjoy. “Prisoners” accomplishes this alluring and often lacking aspect with staggering complexity.

Simply put, “Prisoners” is an adult drama that is masterfully acted and wonderfully put together. There are no punches pulled, and when the film reaches its conclusion the viewer is forced to sit back, take a deep breath and reflect on what they’ve just seen.

The story of “Prisoners” starts its emotional warpath when two girls, daughters of the Dover family and Birch family, are kidnapped on Thanksgiving. The parents are thrown into their worst nightmare, and it is the duty of Detective Loki, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, to solve the case and end the emotional turmoil.

At first the case’s answers seem to be kept in the handicapped mind of an emotionally stunted boy by the name of Alex Jones. But it’s not that simple. An urgent pace, surprising and jaw-dropping twists shake up all expectations, leading to a conclusion both ingeniously obvious and refreshingly unexpected.

Credit for the incredible screenplay must go to Aaron Guzikowski, a newbie in movie screenwriting. His only previous project was the 2012 action/adventure hit “Contraband” starring Mark Wahlberg.

The flow of the narrative embodies the characteristics of river rapids. There are moments of calm plot building points, but once the pace picks up, viewers are thrown into unpredictably rocky situations. “Prisoners” is not a monotonous experience. Guzikowski designed a tempest of powerful emotions that demands attention and pushes viewers to reflect.

As if the story isn’t intoxicating enough, the pristine acting in “Prisoners” adds a whole other element. While everyone on the cast deserves praise, the majority must fall on Hugh Jackman and Gyllenhall.

In the summer, Jackman resurrected his iconic Marvel character Wolverine, but in “Prisoners” he evolves into a different animal. The Australian native plays the part of Kellen Dover, the father of Anna, one of the kidnapped girls. His character arc is executed to perfection and his transformation into an obsessive and violent persona is piercing and unnerving.

Gyllenhall seems to draw from his performance as a cop in the underrated 2012 film “End Of Watch,” and adds a mysteriously charismatic element. Detective Loki has a calm exterior, but sudden moments of honest frustration illuminate a darker, unsecured side to the answer-seeking protagonist. Gyllenhall has a way of creating an aura of uncertainty around his character, taunting the audience about his true self and quiet motivation.

As a whole, “Prisoners” is a refreshingly original adult drama that doesn’t draw on gimmicks or cave to clichés.

With surprises aplenty and numerous moments of suspense and squeamish tension, “Prisoners” reminds movie-goers that sometimes the scariest movies are the ones that draw on the deepest morals. “Prisoners” may be one of the best movies of 2013 thus far.