Is Prison 13 Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Prison 13 (2019), audiences are invited back into the world of Thriller. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Mari is a female university student. She takes part in an experiment held by popular VTuber Sophia. When Mari arrives at the place where the experiment is to be held, she notices the place looks like a prison. 12 people participate in the experiment and they are assigned roles of prisoners and prison officers. The experiment takes place over 7 days. Mari is assigned the role of a prison officer. The experiment turns violent."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Mayu Hotta does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Thriller. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Prison 13 worth your time? If you appreciate Thriller films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Prison 13 is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 87 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.