Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder is a 2019 psychological thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It's a fresh remake of Adrian Lyne's classic 1990 film, featuring a superior cast led by Michael Ealy and supported by Jesse Williams and Nicole Beharie.

The plot centers on the life of war veteran Jacob Singer, masterfully played by Michael Ealy. Jacob’s life is in a state of turmoil, which becomes even more perplexing when his brother Isaac, convincingly portrayed by Jesse Williams, suddenly reappears after having been pronounced dead. Isaac's return raises more questions than it answers and is the portal into the thrilling and chilling narrative that unfolds. As Jacob’s world starts to crumble, we are left wondering: What is real, and what is a façade? Is this truly his brother, and what secrets does he bring with him from their shared past?

This remake offers a modern reimagining that diverges significantly from its predecessor and bravely opts for new meanings and directions. While it keeps the essence of a man's struggle with PTSD intact, it introduces dark family secrets, mysterious pharmaceutical trials, and hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and illusions.

The movie marries the mystery and horror genres while deftly grappling with heavy themes of war, trauma, family, and mental health. It tests the boundaries of psychological thrillers while exploring deep, often disturbing elements related to the human experience of trauma.

Played brilliantly by Ealy, Jacob is a character with depth, silently tormented by his past and increasingly disturbed by his present. His role is presented in such a way that the audience is rooting for him, even as they question the reality of his experience. Ealy delivers an impressive and memorable performance as a man grappling with complex psychological challenges.

Williams, as the returned-from-the-dead brother Isaac, adds his own touch of mystery and anguish to the story. Haunted by his past and stumbling into an uncertain future, Isaac's character is symbolic of inner demons and the fight for sanity. Williams plays out these nuances with such credibility that audience sympathies waver between him and Jacob.

Nicole Beharie makes a significant contribution, playing Samantha, Jacob's wife. She plays the dedicated spouse who's trying to decipher her husband's struggles while concurrently wrestling with her own anxieties about their relationship. Her performance adorns the narrative with much-needed stability and grace in between the chaos.

Directed by David M. Rosenthal, the movie impressively encapsulates nerve-wracking moments, creating an atmosphere not just of creepiness but of a steadily encroaching dread. Despite underpinning its thriller status with some elements of horror, the film maintains focus on its true mission: to explore the deep effects and impact of trauma on the human psyche.

The cinematography is stellar and often surreal, relying heavily on contrast and disorientation to underscore Jacob’s spiraling mental state. It harmoniously complements the plot’s tense and captivating influence on the viewers.

Elements such as morphing faces, unsettling visuals, and distorted reality contribute to the persistent eerie feeling that something is definitely not right. As confusing as these hallucinatory experiences can be, they further emphasize the film's dueling themes of reality versus illusion, sanity versus madness.

To conclude, Jacob's Ladder is a movie that takes its viewers on a winding roller coaster ride. It's a spellbindingly eerie tale of lost identity, of perception and misperception that challenges audiences to question reality. With its gripping plot, impressive performances, and exceptional execution, Jacob’s Ladder is a film that will linger long after the end credits roll. The 2019 version is a compelling step forward from the original, successfully engaging the audience with its unique blend of psychological suspense and horror. Whether or not you've seen the original, this reimagined Jacob's Ladder is an experience worth watching.