The teenage me would’ve found Source Code to be one of the coolest movies I’d ever seen. Even watching it now, it’s clear that this is an enjoyably lean and well-made science-fiction thriller that is an excellent way to spend an hour and a half. It’s lightly convoluted but always thrilling, lightly emotional but never laboured, and above all, always fun. Duncan Jones irably applies a light touch to everything to keep it moving, with each minor twist subtle yet always exciting. However, it’s Jake Gyllenhaal who holds everything together, just as he always does. As the science-fiction storyline becomes more convoluted, Gyllenhaal imbues his atypical hero with enough depth to make the questions of reality and mortality resonate, especially as the film reaches its final act (which is much more effective than it has any right to be. The film itself may not be anything revolutionary (in plot or emotion), but Gyllenhaal (and Jones) help to give the film the life and humanity it needs to be more than just a generic thriller.

The points where the film strains to explain the supposed scientific reasoning for the ‘source code’, the film begins to labour. It’s all outlandish anyway, so why does it need any belaboured explanation? However, just like the rest of the film, the exposition goes by at such quick and efficient pace that it never becomes a problem. At this point, I’m willing to say that Duncan Jones is an excellent director, as every decision he makes maximises efficiency and allows the film’s thrilling central story to, well, thrill. Just like Moon, it works in a simplistically brilliant way, and Jones makes sure to let the emotional moments resonate as well as he can. It's impressive work.

While this may not be entirely Duncan Jones’ creation in the way Moon and the Mute are, Jones' direction makes sure that Source Code remains enjoyable at every moment. While Source Code probably isn’t anyone’s favourite movie (and is obviously not on the level of Moon), it’s a sign that Jones is an excellent director and a great way to warm up for the impending arrival of Mute.