Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is struggling with motivation in his work (he’s a writer) and relationships (his girlfriend Lindy, played by Abbie Cornish, has dumped him). Then he’s offered a “smart drug” named NZT-48 that unleashes and focuses the full potential of his brain, and his fortunes are radically transformed. Of course there’s a downside to taking it, as well as it bringing him into a world of ruthless people determined to get hold of the substance.
The film depicts the drug's brain-enhancing capabilities perfectly, cleverly visualising an explosion of sensory awareness: colours become brighter, vision becomes clearer, thoughts become more coherent. It makes you wish your brain was smarter and sharper. It also makes you crave some very strong coffee. There’s an excellent scene in which Eddie is attacked by a gang of thugs, and is able to fend them all off by recalling everything he’s ever watched or read about fighting – from Bruce Lee films to discussions on daytime TV.
The visuals are tricksy in places, showing you the world from Eddie’s drug-altered point of view – the endlessly telescoping street views are another nice touch – but that tricksy element works because it’s a film about perception.
Robert De Niro plays tycoon Carl Van Loon, who our anti-hero ends up working with. There's also a sub-plot about a murder that may or may not have taken place under the influence of NZT-48.
It’s an exciting, tightly plotted thriller. You never quite know where it’s going. And, contrary to my expectations, the ending manages to satisfy.
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