Source Code 2011

As the train chugs along its tracks, a man (Jake Gyllenhaal) slowly comes to, his gaze locking onto a woman named Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan). But this is no ordinary awakening - he doesn’t recognize her, nor does he seem to recall his own identity. The minutes tick by, and just as the puzzle of his existence begins to unravel, a devastating blast rocks the train, sending him tumbling into a small, enclosed space. It’s here that Air Force Capt. Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) materializes on a computer screen, her words dripping with gravity: he is actually Colter Stevens, a decorated army helicopter pilot, now embroiled in a high-stakes mission to track down the mastermind behind a catastrophic train bombing that has left Chicago on the brink of disaster.

Stevens’s memories are hazy at best; his last recollection is of facing enemy fire in Afghanistan. But as he delves deeper into the Source Code, a top-secret program that allows him to inhabit the body of a person in their final eight minutes of life, he begins to unravel the mystery of his involvement. His mission is twofold: assume the identity of Sean Fentress, one of the train’s passengers, and uncover the truth behind the bombing - all while racing against the clock to prevent a larger, far more sinister attack that could claim millions of lives.

As Stevens navigates the Source Code, Goodwin and the program’s creator, Dr. Rutledge (Jeffrey Wright), guide him through the process, emphasizing that this is not a simulation, but rather a visit into an alternate reality - one where he can gather crucial intel to prevent future attacks, but cannot alter the course of events to save individual lives. The promise of success hangs precariously in the balance, as Goodwin reassures Stevens that “everything will be OK.”

With each iteration through the Source Code, Stevens finds himself repeating the same sequence of events, with subtle variations born from his own actions. Amidst this Groundhog Day-esque existence, he forges a connection with Christina Warren, and his determination to uncover the truth behind the bombing grows more resolute. But as the stakes escalate, Stevens is repeatedly sent back to the chamber, forced to relive the same harrowing moments - until Fentress’s life comes to a tragic end, sending Stevens back to the starting line once more.

As Stevens delves deeper into the mystery of the bomber, he finds himself entangled in a web of personal revelations. Despite the constant pressure from Rutledge and Goodwin to focus on stopping the terrorist attack, Stevens’ journey takes him on a detour into his own psyche. He becomes resolute in completing his mission, now driven by a newfound determination to save Christina and the passengers on the train, should it be possible.

Utilizing his cellphone, Stevens uncovers a shocking truth - he supposedly died two months prior. Confronting Goodwin with this revelation, Stevens learns that his life was cut short during the war, and his body was used as a vessel for Rutledge’s experiment, Source Code. With this knowledge, Stevens pleads with Rutledge and Goodwin to grant him permission to meet his demise, which they solemnly promise will come once the mission is accomplished.

As he delves deeper into the mystery, Stevens discovers that the bomber is none other than Derek Frost (Michael Arden), a disturbed young American. This revelation allows authorities to apprehend Frost, saving Chicago from the impending second bomb.

With the mission complete and despite their initial promise, Rutledge orders Stevens’ memory to be erased and stored for future missions. However, Stevens persuades Goodwin to grant him one final chance to alter the course of events and prevent the train disaster. Goodwin agrees, allowing Stevens a chance to die in peace after the mission is over.

Armed with knowledge gathered from his previous journeys into the Source Code, Stevens successfully defuses the bomb and subdues Frost, ensuring the safety of the passengers on the train. In the final moments before the eight-minute mark, Stevens shares a romantic moment with Christina, only to be surprised when Goodwin turns off his life support as per his request. However, Stevens’ mind remains trapped in Sean Fentress’s body, allowing him to safely exit the train with Christina and save the remaining passengers.

In this new reality, an alternate version of Goodwin receives an email from Stevens, detailing the events that have transpired and the Source Code’s ability to alter the target reality. The film concludes with Stevens assuming Fentress’ identity, asking Goodwin for assistance in reaching Captain Colter Stevens and reassuring him that “everything will be okay,” a promise made earlier by Goodwin himself.