Very underwhelmed by this film. Though it has a great cast, they battle with a script that is flat, flat cinematography, flat characters and dialogue, and over-complicated plot devices sprinkled with scenes and characters that are flat out unnecessary.
Ryan Reynolds is supposedly our main character, yet there are heaps of time we spend with our supporting roles that do nothing to further the plot. Rosario Dawson, who is usually amazing, is given a role that is built up to be important, only to deliver nothing in the end.
(Spoiler) it would have made more sense to have her character escape the van and end up helping save Cassie and Ryan Reynolds, rather than have her be magically discovered by the same police department who can't do anything right except be able to visualize puzzles that aren't put together (again, a scene that was contrived and had absolutely no point since that character did nothing later in the film).
The writer should have learned more about detectives and police protocols, and tried less to force down everyone's throats the idea that everyone believes Ryan Reynolds is the kidnapper, even though the motive forced on us is weak, and is stupid to think 8 years later he would still have her captive. But again, the detectives are so stupid in this film that that is the only suspect and motive they can ever think about.
But, if you like a good eye roller that continually makes you say out loud, "what is going on? When is it now? What the f---?"--this is your film. You'll be left wondering why the edit jumps around in time, especially since there is no solid indicator of what period you're in. It's a game! Present day? 13 years ago? 8 years ago? 6 years ago? Does it matter? Nope.
If you want to see a good abduction thriller, don't watch this film, and go watch Room or Prisoners. Save yourself from the headache this film is.