Heaven’s Prisoners , released in theaters on May 17, 1996, is a crime thriller set in the atmospheric Louisiana bayou, starring Alec Baldwin as Dave Robicheaux, a former New Orleans police detective with a troubled past. The film weaves a complex web of murder, corruption, and old sins that refuse to stay buried.
Baldwin delivers a compelling performance as Robicheaux, capturing the character’s brooding intensity and his struggle with his inner demons.
Kelly Lynch portrays Annie Robicheaux, Dave’s supportive and loving wife, who becomes tragically entangled in the dangerous world he’s pulled back into.
Mary Stuart Masterson shines as Robin Gaddis, a woman from Dave’s past who offers him assistance and understanding.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Teri Hatcher as Claudette Rocque, the seductive and manipulative wife of a local crime boss, and Eric Roberts as Bubba Rocque, a childhood acquaintance of Dave’s who has risen to power in the criminal underworld. Roberts brings a chilling charisma to the role, making Bubba a memorable and menacing villain.
Vondie Curtis-Hall adds depth to the story as a determined DEA agent.
Heaven’s Prisoners is based on the novel of the same name by James Lee Burke, and the film captures the book’s dark and atmospheric tone. The story begins with Dave and Annie rescuing a young girl from a plane crash, an event that draws Dave back into the world of crime and violence he thought he had left behind. As Dave investigates the crash, he uncovers a tangled conspiracy involving drug trafficking, murder, and deep-seated corruption that reaches into the highest levels of power.
Director Phil Joanou (Final Analysis) creates a palpable sense of dread and suspense, drawing the viewer into the dark and dangerous world of Robicheaux.
Teri Hatcher in Heaven’s Prisoners (Photo/New Line Cinema)
Reception for Heaven’s Prisoners
Heaven’s Prisoners grossed $2.3 million on its opening weekend, finishing fifth at the box office.
The film would gross $5 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Heaven’s Prisoners’ strength lies in its strong performances, its evocative setting, and its complex plot. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the inescapable nature of the past. While the narrative can be convoluted at times, the film’s atmosphere and the strength of its cast make it a compelling and haunting thriller.
