Heaven’s Prisoners Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Ex-cop saves a girl from a plane crash, then gets mad because everyone he knows is a criminal and his wife gets collateral damage; bayou justice ensues.

🍿 Heaven’s Prisoners: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A New Life Interrupted

Dave Robicheaux, a former New Orleans detective battling alcoholism and haunted by past violence, seeks solace with his wife Annie by running a bait shop on the Louisiana bayou. Their peaceful existence is shattered when they witness a plane crash, a catastrophic event that pulls them back into a world of crime and corruption. This sets the stage for a descent into danger and moral compromise.

Rescuing Alafair and Unraveling the Crash

After the crash, Dave rescues Alafair, a young girl who is the sole survivor. They take her in, changing their lives. Dave’s investigation into the crash reveals drug smuggling and connects him to old acquaintances: Bubba Rocque, a childhood friend now a drug lord, and Bubba’s seductive wife, Claudette. He finds himself pulled back into a world he tried to leave behind, entangling him in a web of deceit.

Escalating Danger and a Tragic Loss

As Dave digs deeper, the threats escalate, culminating in a deadly assault on his home. Annie is killed, pushing Dave over the edge. Grief-stricken and fueled by revenge, he embarks on a relentless pursuit of those responsible. The investigation becomes a personal vendetta, blurring the lines between justice and retribution. The murder intensifies Dave’s resolve to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dave Robicheaux (Alec Baldwin): A troubled ex-cop and recovering alcoholic, he is drawn back into a dangerous world after rescuing a plane crash survivor.
• Annie Robicheaux (Kelly Lynch): Dave’s supportive wife, she shares his desire to provide a stable home but becomes a victim of his past.
• Bubba Rocque (Eric Roberts): Dave’s childhood friend, now a powerful drug lord, who represents a moral crossroads for Dave.
• Claudette Rocque (Teri Hatcher): Bubba’s seductive wife, she manipulates those around her, and uses her charm to maintain control.
• Robin Gaddis (Mary Stuart Masterson): A stripper with a past connection to Dave, she offers him information and support as he investigates.
• Minos P. Dautrieve (Vondie Curtis-Hall): A DEA agent investigating the plane crash, he complicates Dave’s investigation while navigating his own allegiances.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dave Robicheaux: “I want those other two men that killed my wife.” – Dave states his motive for revenge after his wife is murdered, setting the course for his actions.
• Bubba Rocque: “I had nothin’ to do with that, Dave. When I wanna straighten out a problem, a person’s gonna see this face.” – Bubba tries to distance himself from Annie’s murder, asserting a personal code of conduct.
• Bubba Rocque: “I am one guy. I am not a crime wave. And when you mess with the action outta New Orleans, you fuck with hundreds of people. Do you understand, Dave Robicheaux?” – Bubba emphasizes the scale and reach of his network and the potential consequences of interfering.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,009,305
• Worldwide Gross: $5,009,305

💥 Heaven’s Prisoners Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this years ago and being drawn in by the New Orleans setting and the promise of a gritty crime story. However, I also remember being a bit lost in the details and feeling like it dragged on. Baldwin is solid, but the story could have been tighter. The plane crash scene was pretty intense. I remember I enjoyed some aspects of the movie a lot, but overall it fell short of my expectations.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir thrillers”
  • “Readers of James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux novels”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas set in Louisiana”
  • “Those who enjoy films with moral ambiguity and complex characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Thematic elements involving murder and revenge”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While Baldwin delivers a convincing performance, the film suffers from a convoluted plot and slow pacing that ultimately undermines its potential. Hatcher’s role as a femme fatale is notable, but not enough to save the film.
• Roger Ebert: “Ebert criticized the film’s confusing plot and lack of suspense, but praised Baldwin’s performance as a flawed protagonist. The film is bogged down by excessive dialogue and a meandering narrative.
• AllMovie: “AllMovie noted the film’s atmospheric setting and strong performances, particularly by Roberts and Baldwin, but ultimately found the plot too convoluted and the pacing too slow. The film fails to live up to its potential.

Audience Reactions

The New Orleans setting and atmosphere are captivating and add depth to the story.: Viewers appreciate the film’s attempt to capture the feel of James Lee Burke’s novels, particularly the Louisiana setting and the flawed protagonist.

Baldwin’s performance as Dave Robicheaux is a standout, despite criticisms of his accent.: Many find Baldwin’s portrayal of a troubled ex-cop compelling and praise his ability to convey the character’s internal struggles.

Overall Consensus: While the film boasts a strong cast and atmospheric setting, it is often criticized for a convoluted plot, slow pacing, and failing to fully capture the essence of the source material.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alec Baldwin not only starred in ‘Heaven’s Prisoners’ but also served as a co-producer, demonstrating his deep involvement in the project.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by James Lee Burke, the second book in the Dave Robicheaux series. Many fans of the book series feel that the film did not accurately capture the essence of the novel’s characters and atmosphere.”
• “Teri Hatcher received a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actress for her role in the movie, highlighting the critical reception of her performance.”
• “The movie was completed and produced two years before its actual release, but was finally shelved again because Savoy Pictures had folded in bankruptcy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Heaven’s Prisoners?

Heaven’s Prisoners is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. For physical media, look for DVD or Blu-ray copies online or at your favorite retailer. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Heaven’s Prisoners, you might like these similar films:

• The Big Easy (1986): Both films are set in New Orleans and involve crime, corruption, and a protagonist navigating a complex web of relationships.
• Angel Heart (1987): Features a dark, atmospheric mystery set in Louisiana with a private investigator delving into the occult and uncovering disturbing secrets.
• In the Electric Mist (2009): Another film based on a James Lee Burke novel featuring Detective Dave Robicheaux, offering a different interpretation of the character and his world.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): L.A. Confidential deals with corruption, complex character motivations, and a dark mystery, similar to Heaven’s Prisoners but set in a different location.

🛒 Heaven’s Prisoners Related Products

• James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux Series – Collection: Dive into the world of Dave Robicheaux with a collection of James Lee Burke’s novels. Explore the dark and gritty world of Louisiana crime through the eyes of a complex and compelling character. Perfect for fans of the film and newcomers alike.
• New Orleans Jazz & Blues Compilation: Immerse yourself in the sounds of New Orleans with a curated compilation of Jazz and Blues music. Experience the soulful melodies and rhythms that define the city’s unique cultural heritage. Perfect for setting the mood for a movie night or exploring the music that inspired the film’s atmosphere.
• Heaven’s Prisoners (Blu-ray): Experience the gritty crime thriller in high definition. Witness the intense performances and atmospheric settings come to life with enhanced visuals and audio.
• Detective Dave Robicheaux T-Shirt: Show your love for the iconic character with a Dave Robicheaux inspired T-shirt. Features a classic design that captures the essence of the Louisiana detective. Made from high-quality material for comfort and durability.

🎧 Soundtrack

Heaven’s Prisoners features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Twenty Ton Weight” – performed by The Hoax
• “Heaven’s Prisoners (Original Motion Picture Score)” – performed by George Fenton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Heaven’s Prisoners CPR scene

Check out this intense scene from Heaven’s Prisoners where Kelly Lynch performs CPR! It’s a pretty pivotal moment in the film, and I was definitely on the edge of my seat watching it.

✨ Rate