7 Prisoners (2021) Review: A Gritty and Heart-Wrenching Look at Modern Slavery
7 Prisoners is a 2021 Brazilian drama film directed by Alexandre Moratto that offers a harrowing exploration of human trafficking and modern slavery. With its powerful narrative, compelling performances, and unflinching portrayal of exploitation, the film has garnered critical acclaim for shedding light on the brutal realities faced by those trapped in a system of exploitation. Set against the backdrop of São Paulo’s industrial underbelly, 7 Prisoners is a gripping and thought-provoking story that resonates long after the credits roll.
Plot Summary: The Cycle of Exploitation
The film follows Mateus (Christian Malheiros), an 18-year-old who leaves his rural home for São Paulo in search of better opportunities. Promised a job at a scrapyard, Mateus soon discovers that he and several other young men have been lured into a trap. The scrapyard is a front for a human trafficking operation run by Luca (Rodrigo Santoro), who enslaves the workers under the guise of employment. Stripped of their freedom, the men are forced to work under brutal conditions, with no hope of escape.
As Mateus becomes increasingly desperate, he finds himself faced with an impossible choice: continue to suffer under Luca’s control or collaborate with him to secure his own survival. This moral dilemma forms the heart of the film, as Mateus struggles to retain his humanity in a world that seems to strip it away at every turn.
Performance and Characterization: A Riveting Cast
Christian Malheiros delivers a remarkable performance as Mateus, capturing the character’s transformation from a hopeful young man to someone hardened by the cruelty of his circumstances. Malheiros brings a raw intensity to the role, making Mateus’s internal conflict palpable as he navigates the dangerous dynamics within the scrapyard. His portrayal is both heartbreaking and deeply human, embodying the resilience and desperation of those caught in similar real-life situations.
Rodrigo Santoro, known for his roles in 300 and Westworld, delivers a chilling performance as Luca, the unscrupulous trafficker who maintains control through a combination of manipulation and brute force. Santoro’s Luca is a complex antagonist—charismatic and ruthless, yet also a product of the same system that he perpetuates. His interactions with Mateus add layers to the narrative, as the power dynamics between them shift and evolve.
The supporting cast, including the other enslaved workers, add depth to the story, each bringing their own sense of despair and hope to the film. Their collective plight serves as a poignant reminder of the many faces of modern slavery.
Direction and Cinematography: A Stark and Unflinching Approach
Director Alexandre Moratto, who co-wrote the screenplay with Thayná Mantesso, approaches the subject matter with sensitivity and realism. The film’s gritty, documentary-style cinematography by João Gabriel de Queiroz captures the bleak environment of the scrapyard, emphasizing the sense of entrapment and hopelessness that pervades the characters’ lives. The handheld camera work and close-up shots create an intimate connection with the characters, drawing the audience into their world of suffering and survival.
Moratto’s direction is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly as Mateus’s situation becomes increasingly dire. The pacing of the film mirrors the suffocating atmosphere of the scrapyard, making the moments of violence and cruelty all the more impactful. Despite the heavy subject matter, the film never feels gratuitous; instead, it presents a stark, unvarnished look at a reality that is often overlooked.
Themes and Social Commentary: A Powerful Reflection on Modern Slavery
7 Prisoners is more than just a thriller—it is a searing indictment of the systemic issues that allow modern slavery to thrive. The film explores themes of power, exploitation, and moral compromise, challenging viewers to consider the human cost of economic disparity and the ways in which society is complicit in these injustices.
Mateus’s journey is emblematic of the many who are trapped in cycles of poverty and exploitation, forced to make impossible choices in order to survive. The film doesn’t offer easy answers, instead posing difficult questions about the nature of survival and the ethical compromises that people are forced to make in desperate situations.
The film also highlights the dehumanizing effects of modern slavery, showing how individuals are reduced to commodities in a system that values profit over people. This portrayal is particularly resonant in today’s globalized world, where the exploitation of vulnerable populations often goes unnoticed or unchallenged.
Where to Watch 7 Prisoners Online
If you’re interested in watching 7 Prisoners, here are some streaming options available, particularly in the United States:
Streaming Services
- Netflix: 7 Prisoners is available for streaming on Netflix. As a Netflix original film, it is accessible to subscribers worldwide, making it the primary platform for viewing this powerful drama.
- Hulu: While not the primary streaming platform for this film, Hulu may offer 7 Prisoners as part of its rotating library, especially through any international distribution agreements.
- Amazon Prime Video: Though primarily available on Netflix, sometimes films like 7 Prisoners may appear on Amazon Prime Video as a rental or purchase option. It’s worth checking the platform for availability.
Rental/Purchase Streaming Services
- Apple iTunes: If you prefer to own or rent 7 Prisoners, Apple iTunes might offer it as part of its rental or purchase library. This can be a good option if you want to revisit the film.
- Google Play Movies: Google Play Movies may offer 7 Prisoners for rent or purchase, allowing you to watch the film at your convenience and on various devices.
- Vudu: Vudu might provide 7 Prisoners as a rental or purchase option. Known for high-quality streaming, Vudu is another platform to consider if Netflix isn’t available in your region.
Final Thoughts: A Film That Demands Attention
7 Prisoners is a powerful, unflinching portrayal of a world where survival often comes at a great moral and ethical cost. Through its intense performances, gritty direction, and poignant social commentary, the film forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of modern slavery and the human cost of exploitation.
For those interested in socially conscious cinema, 7 Prisoners is a must-watch. Its exploration of the dark side of human nature and the systemic forces that perpetuate injustice makes it a film that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. With its availability on Netflix and other streaming services, there’s no reason to miss this gripping and important story.
