This film is one of a kind—beautifully conceived and executed, and something you’ll remember, even if it hasn’t happened yet.

Letter to Jean:

Had to share this because I thought it was beautifully written, and it emphasizes the point of this film so well.

Jean,
You’re going to pass out one day, smoking a cigarette, and burn to death.
Your daughter will grow up, living the same sad life you’re living right now,
And she’ll miss you. So much.
Sometimes, life can only really begin with the knowledge of death.
And it can all end, even when you least want it to.

The important thing in life is to believe, and while you’re alive, it’s never too late.
I promise you, Jean, no matter how bad things look, they look better awake than they do asleep.
When you die, there’s only one thing you want to happen:
To come back.

The Jacket is about a man who is wrongly institutionalized after being accused of killing an officer, even though the man who did it framed him. His sentence—because he can’t remember exactly who did it, there were no fingerprints on the gun, and he is categorized as “delusional”—is to spend time in an asylum.

Inside the asylum, the story takes a whole new turn.

Jack is subjected to an experiment that is later revealed to be illegal in the 70s. The experiment consists of the patient being drugged with antipsychotic medication and placed in a storage unit, all so the results and side effects can be studied. This experiment is done with full knowledge and yet uncertainty of the results. The patient experiences visions, illusions, and other effects that are unknown unless each case is investigated. The only case we are shown is Jack’s.

Jack experiences more than just visions—he experiences the future. Literally.

I highly encourage you to watch Source Code, as this film shares similar themes. It will also make a lot more sense.

There were many dialogues in the film that stood out to me, and I think you’ll catch them too. Be sure to listen closely and pay attention throughout—it’s worth it.

Personally, I love the actors chosen for this film because I’ve seen them many times before in other movies, and they fit these roles perfectly. Especially Adrien Brody—he is phenomenal in these types of roles. I also loved him in The Experiment.

As for the film itself, I can’t say enough about how great it was—its concept and resolution. If you knew how you were going to die, would you try to escape it? Change it? Accept it?

Jack shows you a truly beautiful, touching, painful, and confusing experience.

If you enjoy time travel, mystery, a touch of horror (though not really), justice, romance, and brain-teasing twists, give this film a watch!