Source Code is a 2011 American science fiction action thriller directed by Duncan Jones and written by Ben Ripley. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens, a U.S. Army pilot who finds himself in a unique and perilous situation. He is sent into an eight-minute virtual reconstruction of a train explosion that occurred in Chicago, tasked with identifying the terrorist responsible for the attack.
The narrative begins with Stevens waking up on a commuter train, disoriented and unaware of how he got there. He discovers that he is inhabiting the body of another man, Sean Fentress, and is quickly thrust into chaos when the train explodes, killing everyone aboard. After the explosion, Stevens awakens in a high-tech military facility where he learns from Air Force Captain Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) that he is part of an experimental program called "Source Code." This program allows him to relive the last eight minutes of Fentress's life repeatedly in order to gather information to prevent a larger attack on Chicago.
As Stevens navigates these eight-minute intervals, he struggles with the limitations of his mission, realizing that while he can gather clues to identify the bomber, he cannot alter the past or save the passengers aboard the train. Throughout his attempts, Stevens forms a connection with Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan), a fellow passenger who becomes central to his emotional journey. The film explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and the moral implications of technology.
Source Code received positive reviews from critics for its intriguing premise and Gyllenhaal's performance. It grossed over $147 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $31.9 million, making it a commercial success. The film's clever blend of science fiction and thriller elements, combined with its exploration of human connection within a high-stakes scenario, has contributed to its lasting appeal in contemporary cinema.