Over the past year, movies like “Inception” and “Black Swan” have not only challenged viewers to experience film, but also have enticed them to create the answers as they are immersed in the world of the director. “Source Code” (directed by Duncan Jones) is not just a sci-fi thriller, it transports the viewer into a world that is as rich and powerful as it is puzzling.

In the opening scene of “Source Code,” the viewers follow a train on its immutable path a false sense of security sets in. When Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is suddenly shaken into a heightened sensory state, they lose that sense fast.

Stevens wakes up face to face with a gorgeous woman named Christina (Michelle Monaghan) who strangely refers to him as “Sean.” As he struggles to find out who he is and what is going on, the train explodes.

Captain Stevens awakes in a metal capsule. He is in a government program called the Source Code, which allows the CIA to transplant an operative into the body of another for the last eight minutes of their life.

A man named Sean Fentris––hence Christina calling him Sean–– was aboard that train when a terrorist attack killed everyone on board. Now, in Sean’s body, it’s Stevens’ mission to locate the bomber. So time and time again, he is thrust into the parallel reality of the Source Code in an attempt to save the lives of others.

Gyllenhaal’s performance anchors this film, as portrays Stevens’ constantly conflicting and changing emotions are portrayed perfectly by Gyllenhaal. From his very first trip in the Source Code to the last moments of the film, he makes seeing the same scene over and over again interesting.

Monaghan provides a solid supporting role playing Christina, Stevens’ fellow passenger and love interest. Vera Farmiga adds to the suspense of the film playing Goodwin, Stevens’ austere yet caring Source Code operator. As the situation worsens and more information reveals itself, all three of the actors’ performances grow.

Duncan Jones made his directorial debut with 2009’s “Moon,” another alternate reality sci-fi thriller, with far less action and a slower pace, which worked for that film. But now with “Source Code,” Jones has created a world that is perplexing, exhilarating and enthralling. All of the characters lack no detail and are expertly crafted. This film is extremely unique, with a strong cast and solid plot it is must see.