The Lazarus Project

SABC1, Channel 191, Friday, 22:30 For those of us who enjoy a film that builds a good aura of mystery and makes you wonder what the heck is going on, this one might be worth a viewing.

Of course, this type of film is only worth watching if the mystery is eventually explained or we’re left with enough information to draw our own conclusions. Luckily, The Lazarus Project is one of those. It doesn’t have the biggest or most world-shaking twist, but it’s still plausible at least.

In fact, it smacks a bit of Jacob’s Ladder in some ways, but it’s not as horrific as that film — not even close. It also dips a toe into Donnie

Darko with certain scenes, but without being as impenetrably cryptic.

It’s difficult to figure out how much I can say about the premise without saying too much. The basic idea is that reformed criminal Ben Garvey (Paul Walker) relapses into his life of crime, leading to him being sentenced to death.

After saying goodbye to his wife and daughter, he accepts his punishment, but awakens after his execution in a strange mental hospital. The staff claim that God has granted him a second chance and he has to work there to redeem himself — but he can never leave the town, or he’ll die for real.

While working for his salvation, he meets several mysterious or outright crazy characters that make him question reality. I’d say: pay careful attention to the plot points — but that isn’t really necessary. The film explains itself pretty well, but it’s still an intriguing ride.