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Prisoners movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Prisoners filmed?

2013

City Locations

Conyers, Lithonia, Monroe, Atlanta, Georgia (USA)

Location Types

House, Apartment, Hospital

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Cape Cod, Manufactured Home, Rustic, Dilapidated/Neglected, Modern Building

About Prisoners

Prisoners, which keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its thrilling, nerve-wracking, and unsettling content, was brought to life in 2013. This captivating cinematic piece is the brainchild of the esteemed director Denis Villeneuve. The movie boasts a star-studded cast featuring industry heavyweights such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, Paul Dano, Terrence Howard, and Melissa Leo.

The plot revolves around a small-town carpenter, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), who becomes a vigilante to rescue his abducted daughter, Anna (Erin Gerasimovich), and her best friend, Joy (Kyla-Drew Simmons). When Anna and Joy vanish without a trace on Thanksgiving Day, the only clue left behind is a run-down RV parked on their street. The RV driver, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), is quickly arrested by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal). However, Alex is released due to a lack of evidence, pushing Keller into desperation. Ignoring Detective Loki's advice to leave the case to professionals, Keller decides to take matters into his own hands, risking his freedom to find the girls before it's too late.

The movie achieved commercial and critical triumph, raising $122 million globally. Recognizing its brilliance, the esteemed National Board of Review included it in their prestigious list of the top ten films of 2013. Furthermore, at the 86th Academy Awards, the film's cinematographer, Roger Deakins, was nominated for Best Cinematography.

Prisoners Locations

The 2013 thriller Prisoners was shot entirely in the picturesque state of Georgia, utilizing its diverse landscapes and architectural charm as a backdrop for the gripping narrative. The production spanned multiple locations, including Atlanta, Monroe, Stone Mountain, Porterdale, Tucker, and Snellville.

Conyers, the solitary city and county seat of Georgia's Rockdale County, served as the setting for many pivotal scenes. The residences at 700 Deering Road Southeast and 2903 High Brook Way Southeast were transformed into the homes of characters Keller Dover and Franklin Birch, respectively. The abandoned house featured in the film is nestled at 651 James P Brawley Drive Northwest, while the liquor store scene was filmed around Paulsen Foods at 748 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway Northwest.

The production also ventured east of Atlanta to Monroe in Walton County. The gas station scene was captured at Circle K at 1605 Troy Smith Road, and the location where Alex was arrested was shot nearby on Troy Smith Road and Highway 10. For the hospital scenes, the crew utilized Wellstar East Point Health Center at 1170 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 100, which has since closed its doors.

The blend of urban and rural settings, historical landmarks, and natural beauty make these filming locations a worthwhile visit for any movie enthusiasts or fans of Prisoners. The journey offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the film's characters and experience the ambiance that lent itself to the intense narrative.

The Dover's house scene in Prisoners

700 Deering Rd SE, Conyers, GA

Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and his son Ralph (Dylan Minnette) venture out for a deer hunting expedition. As Ralph skillfully brings down a buck, Keller, beaming with pride, recites the Lord's Prayer. This moment showcases Keller's deep-rooted belief in self-reliance as he imparts to his son the importance of always being prepared during their drive home. The suspense builds when an aging RV passes the Dover residence, foreshadowing the impending turmoil.

The exterior shots of the Dover house were filmed at a location in Conyers, Georgia, specifically at 700 Deering Rd SE. This location has since become a private residence, so fans are advised not to disturb the occupants while appreciating the house's exterior. The surrounding neighborhood offers a cozy ambiance that immerses fans in the film's atmosphere.

To visit this location, you must first reach Conyers, easily accessible via Interstate 20 E if driving from Atlanta. Once in Conyers, you can use local transportation or move to the address. However, please remember to respect the residents' privacy.

The Dover family visits the Birch family scene in Prisoners

2903 High Brook Way SE, Conyers, GA

The Dover family – Keller (Hugh Jackman), his wife Grace (Maria Bello), and their son Ralph (Dylan Minnette), and daughter Anna (Erin Gerasimovich) – head over to their neighbors, the Birch family, for a Thanksgiving dinner. Amid adults cooking and children playing outside, tension escalates as Anna Dover, Keller's daughter, impulsively leaps onto an abandoned RV parked by the curb. Their hearts pounding, they swiftly discern a presence within and hastily race back to the Birch house, filled with trepidation.

Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard) is depicted as a warm, affable man, albeit with questionable trumpet-playing skills. Following dinner, the two youngest daughters, each representing their respective families, depart for Anna's house to retrieve the safety whistle she is obligated to carry at all times.

This scene was filmed at the Birch family's house at 2903 High Brook Way SE, Conyers, Georgia. This residence is just a block from the Dover's house, creating a close-knit neighborhood feel that is integral to the film's plot. However, the trees in the front yard have been cut down since the filming. The house is privately owned now, so fans are kindly asked to respect the occupant's privacy and refrain from attempting to view the interior. Still, the exterior offers a glimpse into the movie's setting and can be appreciated from a respectful distance.

If driving from Atlanta, take I-20 E, which typically takes around half an hour. Once in Conyers, local transportation or personal driving can take you directly to the address. To truly immerse yourself, exploring multiple locations in a single visit is best. This allows dedicated fans to fully indulge in the experience and maximize their time.

Detective Loki confronts the RV's driver scene in Prisoners

1605 Troy Smith Rd, Monroe, GA

A critical scene unfolds when Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) stumbles upon a white RV parked at a gas station beside a wooded area. This RV matches the description of one seen near where two young girls had last been spotted, making its driver, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), a primary suspect in their disappearance. As Loki approaches to confront Jones, panic ensues, leading Jones to attempt a hasty escape that results in a crash into the nearby trees.

This high-tension scene was filmed on location at a gas station in Monroe, Georgia, specifically at 1605 Troy Smith Rd. This location is significant for its role in the film's narrative and contribution to the movie's overall atmospheric tension.

Film fans can visit this location and immerse themselves in the same surroundings depicted in the movie. The gas station appears to be still operational. In addition to visiting the gas station, fans can explore the nearby Lake Monroe and a local church, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the neighborhood and its ambiance.

You would first need to travel to Monroe, Georgia, to reach this location. If driving from Atlanta, you can take US-78 E or I-20 E, which typically takes around an hour. Once in Monroe, you can use local transportation or move directly to 1605 Troy Smith Rd.

Loki goes to see Alex's aunt scene in Prisoners

1634 Phillips Rd, Lithonia, GA

Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) visits Holly Jones (Melissa Leo), the aunt of Alex Jones (Paul Dano). Holly raised Alex after his parents died when he was six. A few years prior, Alex's uncle left home following a domestic dispute with Holly, leaving Alex to sleep most nights in an RV, living a life of minimal possessions.

This scene occurs at Holly's house, 1634 Phillips Rd, Lithonia, Georgia. The house's location on a somewhat busy road without parking shoulders adds to the sense of isolation and tension surrounding Alex's life. However, it's important to note that this house is privately owned and is not open to fans. While visiting, fans are asked to respect the homeowners' privacy and enjoy the exterior views from a distance.

While in the area, fans can also visit Redan Park, a sprawling 3,200-acre park featuring Stone Mountain, the world's most significant granite formation. Engraved into the rock are the faces of three leaders of the Confederacy. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with stunning views of downtown Atlanta, offering a unique way to further immerse in the film's atmosphere.

The journey to Lithonia, Georgia, from Atlanta typically takes around half an hour by car. Public transportation is also an option, requiring multiple bus transfers. However, please note that this route may take longer, approximately one hour.

Keller brings Franklin to the old apartment scene in Prisoners

651 James P Brawley Dr NW, Atlanta, GA

Keller (Hugh Jackman) abducts Alex (Paul Dano) at gunpoint while he is innocently walking his dog. Keller then imprisons Alex in his father's old, abandoned apartment house. The following morning, Keller brings Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard) to see the captured man bound with duct tape. Franklin is horrified as Keller begins his questioning.

This haunting scene was filmed at an old apartment house located at 651 James P Brawley Dr NW, Atlanta, Georgia. For the filming, the production team added an extension to the front of the building, enhancing its dilapidated appearance. This house is privately owned, and, as such, only the exterior views can be appreciated.

While in the area, fans can also soak up the local atmosphere by visiting nearby attractions such as the Trap Music Museum, Atlanta Contemporary, or even the Georgia Tech campus. These places add to the overall experience and give a broader sense of the film's urban setting.

To get to this location, if you're in downtown Atlanta, you can take Northside Dr NW to James P Brawley Dr NW, a drive that typically takes 10 minutes. Public transportation options, including bus transfers, are available. However, combining all locations, renting a car, and visiting the places simultaneously for a more convenient and efficient experience is highly recommended.

Joy mumbles that Keller was there scene in Prisoners

Wellstar East Point Health Center, 1170 Cleveland Ave Suite 100, Atlanta, GA

A pivotal scene unfolds in a hospital where Joy Birch (Kyla-Drew Simmons), one of the missing girls, is found wandering and drugged. Keller (Hugh Jackman) attempts to extract information from her in her disoriented state. In her confusion, Joy mumbles that Keller was there, giving those present the impression that Keller might be somehow involved in the girls' disappearance. This leads to a tense moment as Keller races away from the hospital with Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) in hot pursuit, culminating in a thrilling car chase.

This intense hospital scene was filmed at the Wellstar East Point Health Center at 1170 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 100. Unfortunately, this healthcare facility has permanently closed its doors since the filming took place. Despite this closure, fans can still appreciate the hospital's exterior where this vital scene was shot. Remember, while fans are encouraged to enjoy the city's ambiance reminiscent of the film's atmosphere, respecting the privacy of all private properties and closed establishments is essential.

You can take I-75 S/I-85 S and US-29 S to Cleveland Ave to reach this location. Once in East Point, you can use local transportation or drive directly to the former location of the health center.

Conclusion

The intricate narrative of Prisoners unfolds against a backdrop meticulously crafted in Georgia. These pivotal filming locations provided the atmospheric canvas that encapsulated the film's intense mystery and suspense. With its picturesque landscapes, Conyers lent an eerie tranquility to the suburban scenes, while Lithonia's rugged terrains and distinctive architecture added a layer of haunting realism to the storyline. With its rustic charm, Monroe was an essential setting for pivotal sequences, infusing the film with a palpable tension.

Furthermore, the dynamic urban landscapes of Atlanta offered a contrasting backdrop, setting the stage for critical moments in the narrative. These locations, carefully chosen and expertly utilized, showcased the versatility of Georgia's scenery, enhancing the film's depth and authenticity.

The culmination of these locations in Prisoners is a testament to Georgia's diverse and evocative settings, contributing profoundly to the film's gripping ambiance and captivating storytelling. The convergence of Conyers, Lithonia, Monroe, and Atlanta provided a visual feast and played an indispensable role in shaping this cinematic masterpiece's gripping, atmospheric essence.