This movie takes its time becoming a "thriller" and is instead, for the most part, a drama that depicts in a unique way how a person (who's had a devastating thing happen in his/her life) learns how to "start over" in life. Chris, the main character (actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt in an excellent performance), must learn how to cope with life from a new perspective after experiencing severe head/brain trauma; where as once he was an able bodied functioning person, he is now considered disabled to some extent. Given this premise, the film then mixes in some people of ill repute who entice Chris into a criminal scheme. Up to this point since his injury Chris appears to have been fortunate to have been surrounded by decent and caring people, and now he is faced with making some strange choices. Once this aspect of the film gets going things become more suspenseful.
In my opinion, one of the film's basic strengths is its dialogue and this aspect helps to make the characters seem believable. Actor Jeff Daniels was also especially good combining vulnerability with wisdom in his performance as a blind man.
In my opinion, one of the film's basic strengths is its dialogue and this aspect helps to make the characters seem believable. Actor Jeff Daniels was also especially good combining vulnerability with wisdom in his performance as a blind man.