Duncan Jones (Mute) has made a name for himself with somewhat confusing yet thought-provoking science fiction (plus Warcraft) films, and Source Code is no different. Releasing May 8th for the first time on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Source Code is as suspenseful a thriller as I’ve ever seen, even if I had no clue what was going on for the first 30 minutes. It is a slow-burn masterclass in sci-fi filmmaking, a heart-racing potboiler full of nuance and subtlety.
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Colter Stevens, a soldier who awakens in a technological coffin tasked with stopping a terrorist attack in downtown Chicago, but there is more to this cover story than he realises as a shady government agency manipulates him for their own unsavory gains.
Like Jones’ brilliantly tense sci-fi mystery Moon the confusion inherent in much of Source Code for the viewer mirrors the mindset of the lead. We are along for his journey, discovering the truth alongside Stevens. It is incredibly effective in Jones’ capable hands. As a viewer we don’t even have time to think about what’s really going on as the story propels us forward at breakneck speed. Much like Stevens we’re just along for the ride, waiting for events to begin making sense.
Gyllenhaal is wonderful as Stevens; a man trying to wrestle control over a situation that he can’t quite wrap his head around. Every time he thinks he has it figured out it blows up in his face (literally). Michelle Monaghan is fantastic as his constant train companion, as enamored of as confused by this charismatic man. Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright shine opposite one another, both working toward the same goals with far different ways of doing so. Wright simply wants success no matter the cost, while Farmiga can’t handle success if it means losing her humanity.
The direction by Jones teamed with DP Don Burgess is perfection, the jump cuts and stylistic flourishes adding to the unbearable tension. This HD transfer is simply gorgeous, bringing out background details we may have missed before.
The bonus features add so much to the viewer experience with Access: Source Code, a wealth of scene-specific features including interviews with the cast, expert commentaries on time travel, trivia, and more. 5 Crazy Details You Might Have Missed fills in many of the blanks as well.
Source Code is a mindbending thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you guessing as you slowly learn the horrible truth alongside its protagonist.
Source Code hits 4K Ultra HD on May 8th.
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Summary
Source Code is a mindbending sci-fi psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you guessing as you slowly learn the horrible truth alongside its protagonist.
