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Poster for Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder

The most frightening thing about Jacob Singer's nightmare is that he isn't dreaming.

1990 · 1h 53m · R Drama, Horror, Mystery
Directed by Adrian Lyne

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Overview

After returning home from the Vietnam War, veteran Jacob Singer struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by hallucinations and flashbacks, Singer rapidly falls apart as the world and people around him morph and twist into disturbing images. His girlfriend, Jezzie, and ex-wife, Sarah, try to help, but to little avail. Even Singer's chiropractor friend, Louis, fails to reach him as he descends into madness.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
73%
Tomatometer
Fresh

It's weird and surreal, but it ends with most of the holes plugged and all but a few of the loose ends tied into a tidy package. Some argue this is a cheat and the film should have been more open ended. That's a personal choice; I like it the way it is.

James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Fresh

For hours and days after you've seen it, you'll still be putting it together in your head. While all of it is gripping, it doesn't come together until the final scene, which is jolting, transcendent, unexpected yet inevitable.

John Hartl, Seattle Times
Fresh

As long as the movie refuses to commit itself, it is a truly creepy, nerve-jangling experience.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune
Rotten

In the best puzzle movies, the pieces fit -- eventually. But if you try to piece together Jacob's Ladder, all you get for your trouble is more pieces.

Peter Rainer, Los Angeles Times
Rotten

Without a strongly sympathetic figure at the center of the movie, Jacob's plight seems very remote. Watching this film should feel like being caught in a nightmare, but it feels more like watching someone else who is caught in a nightmare.

Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

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