Jacob's Ladder is a psychological horror movie that explores themes of death, loss, and the human mind. The movie follows the experiences of Jacob Singer, a former Vietnam War veteran who has just returned from Afghanistan. He is haunted by the memories of his brother's death in combat and is struggling to adjust to life back home.
At first, Singer's experiences seem to be nothing out of the ordinary. He suffers from terrifying nightmares and waking hallucinations; he sees terrifying creatures and strange things that other people cannot see. His condition is worsened by the fact that he is also suffering from hallucinations related to his time in combat.
As the story progresses, Singer begins to suspect that the government subjected him to a secret experiment during his time in the military, and his experiences are not merely hallucinations, but a result of that experiment. The deeper he delves into his paranoia, the more he realizes that his brother is somehow involved, and he must confront the truth about his own past and present to save himself.
The movie's ending is both powerful and ambiguous, leading viewers to question the nature of reality and the mind's ability to create its own truths. The movie features stunning special effects, a haunting soundtrack, and strong performances by an ensemble cast that includes Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Pena, and Danny Aiello.