Following his 2009 debut, Moon, the latest feature from Duncan ‘Zowie Bowie’ Jones has arrived. Source Code is an action sci-fi following helicopter pilot, Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal), who, after crashing in Afghanistan, wakes up in somebody else’s body on a commuter train heading to Chicago. He soon learns that he is embroiled in a top-secret mission and that he must return to the eight minute scene over and over again until he completes a task, however as time runs out in the real world it proves no easy feat.
Like Moon, Source Code is a high concept sci-fi with a focus on human emotion and interaction. The audience are pulled along with Jake Gyllenhaal’s confused Colter Stevens, frustratingly trying to complete a mission he knows little about. As he learns the gravity of the challenge he slowly progresses, but, refreshingly, he never feels like an invincible action hero. Alongside, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga play their roles out perfectly, while disappointingly, Jeffrey Wright caricature-like shadowy boss would probably fit in better in a Roland Emmerich film.
It’s beautifully shot and unlike most Sci-fi, it doesn’t feel over taken by showy CGI effects, rather focusing its energy on building up the characters and atmosphere. There are also some genuinely funny moments slipped in to relieve the tension and make it all the more entertaining.
It’s sharp, original and - importantly - very enjoyable. More than worth a watch and not just for the obvious reasons you’re thinking.
Released nationwide 1st April
Words: Emma Hurwitz
Images courtesy of Optimum Releasing
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