Usually known for smaller roles himself, his performance proves beyond a doubt he has the ability to carry the weight of an entire film on his shoulders. (digitalchumps.com)
He manages to carry the weight of the entire film on his shoulders, and that's a lot to say for someone outside of that leading - man category. (fatguysatthemovies.com)
And if you thought Gyllenhaal was great in «Prisoners,» you ain't seen nothing yet: the actor «carries the entire film on his shoulders, and he delivers with a smoldering internalized performance of torment that is easily his finest work.» (indiewire.com)