Jacob’s Ladder (1990) is a psychological horror-thriller directed by Adrian Lyne, known for his work on films like Fatal Attraction and 9 1/2 Weeks.
The film stars Tim Robbins in a career-defining role and has become a cult classic due to its disturbing imagery, thought-provoking themes, and a narrative that blends psychological horror with military drama.
The story follows Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), a Vietnam War veteran who is haunted by disturbing flashbacks, hallucinations, and increasingly surreal events.
He struggles to make sense of his fractured reality, which seems to blur the lines between nightmare and memory. Jacob’s descent into madness is exacerbated by the horrific visions he experiences, including grotesque, demonic figures and traumatic memories from his time in the war.
As Jacob tries to understand the truth behind his visions, he is forced to confront his past, his relationships, and the mysterious forces that may be manipulating him. The film gradually reveals that Jacob’s experiences may not just be the result of PTSD from the war, but a deeper conspiracy tied to secret government experiments.
