Director: Duncan Jones
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga
‘Spectacular Science-Fiction’
Over the past decade, the sci-fi genre has faced a steady decline. Over the years, science-fiction thrillers have either proved to be really good or complete rubbish. There really haven’t proved to be so many excellent films. In this regard, Duncan Jones’ “Source Code” is an exception.
“Source Code” is a fresh and highly original thriller that exceeds from a visual view, as well as a visceral one. A smart piece of writing and just the right amount of humanism is put in.
Performances don’t work so much in these kinds of movies, but Gyllenhaal gives his best. Gyllenhaal always pours his soul into every role, and this film is definitely no exception. This is one of his best performances. He literally carries the film with his commanding presence and guides it in the right direction. Even though the other performances weren’t paid much attention too, they were at least decent. Monaghan is okay.; playing her character with simpleness. Vera Farmiga is the same, but slightly better. Rest of cast is natural and fits in.
Thrills in this film are highly praiseworthy. I was hooked onto the film as soon as it started. A well-done transition from the train to the ‘pitch-black’ hole is shown. Visual effects have stood the test of time to be one of the decade’s best.
If there’s a minor drawback towards the movie, it suffers from an ambiguous conclusion. It’s an abrupt ending that leaves viewers with questions without any clear resolution. Whereas this ambiguous ending elevated Christopher Nolan’s “Inception”, it doesn’t work in this movie. At worst, it leaves viewers with more questions.
Nevertheless, “Source Code” is definitely a spectacular science-fiction film worth watching. Its mind-bending, thought-provoking, and very well-crafted. It also has to be one of the best films I’ve seen this decade, as well in the sci-fi genre.
In an industry that has run out of original ideas for the worse, it’s a source of hope that proves science-fiction movies haven’t lost their abilities to captivate audiences through sheer force.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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