Where has the nice Hugh Jackman gone? He's nowhere to be found in Prisoners

WHAT happened to the nice guy? Critics are reeling over Hugh Jackman's new role in the film Prisoners in which he tortures a suspected child abductor.

HUGH Jackman's new film Prisoners is out today, but it's not the Jackman we know and love.

We're accustomed to seeing our favourite Aussie actor tap-dancing across a stage or belting out a flawless ballad, but this new film role is a far cry from anything we've seen him do before. The 45-year-old Les Mis star takes on a dark, very sinister role in the child-abduction thriller, playing a desperate father ripped apart by the disappearance of his daughter. Jackman's character abducts, imprisons and even tortures a man he believes has something to do with it. His chilling role teeters on the brink of villainous and is likely to hit home for many viewers as it tackles the poignant question - how far would a parent go to protect their children? The release of Prisoners is also bound to spark controversy, given that the timing coincides with new information about missing child Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in 2007. "You never know how your character's going to turn out but I thought the film had a chance of being pretty rare and entertaining, thrilling and gripping but more unconventional," Jackman said of his decision to sign on for the role. Insiders are saying the role could earn Jackman a nomination at next year's Oscars, but what will fans make of his departure from a screen hero? Here's five reasons (albeit controversial ones) why you should give Prisoners a go: 1. It's seriously dark. In fact Prisoners screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski told BuzzFeed he was surprised he was able to get the film made considering it was so bleak. So, maybe don't see it on a first date. 2. Jake Gyllenhaal is incredible in the role of the detective Loki. His neck tattoos are both creepy and intriguing. Also keep an eye out for his erratic double blinking which is meant to portray his character's overworked mind. This was Gyllenhaal's own touch! 3. Hugh Jackman researched his role as the distraught father endlessly. "I read a lot of stories, I saw a lot of videos of endless parents doing those press conferences. It's happening now. Gosh, the whole Ariel Castro case has just played out in front of us all. This stuff goes on," he told MTV. 4. If you like a good old-fashioned cliffhanger, then you'll love the ending to this film. Some have found it unsatisfying but chances are you won't pick the twists along the way. 5. It's not often Hollywood dishes up a movie that leaves you feeling truly divided. If you don't mind the uncomfortable nature of films like Mystic River and Zodiac then Prisoners is for you. Read a full review by Leigh Paatsch here. Have you seen Prisoners? Leave your comments below or continue the conversation on Twitter @newscomauhq