Directed by Andrew Davis (The Fugitive), Chain Reaction is a 1996 sci-fi thriller that combines environmental themes with corporate conspiracy. The film stars Keanu Reeves as Eddie Kasalivich, a University of Chicago researcher who, along with physicist Dr. Lily Sinclair (Rachel Weisz), makes a groundbreaking discovery in clean hydrogen energy. Their triumph quickly turns to terror when their mentor is murdered, the lab is destroyed, and they become the prime suspects in a treasonous plot.

The film effectively builds tension as Eddie and Lily go on the run, pursued by both law enforcement and shadowy corporate operatives who want to control their technology. Morgan Freeman delivers a compelling performance as the ambiguous project founder Paul Shannon, whose true motivations remain uncertain throughout the cat-and-mouse chase. While the film received mixed reviews for its familiar conspiracy-thriller tropes, it remains engaging thanks to Davis's skilled direction of action sequences and the chemistry between Reeves and Weisz.

Chain Reaction explores timely themes about scientific ethics, corporate greed, and environmental responsibility that remain relevant today. The Chicago locations provide atmospheric backdrops for the chase sequences, and the clean energy MacGuffin adds an interesting speculative element. For viewers who enjoy 90s thrillers with scientific premises, or fans of Keanu Reeves's early filmography, Chain Reaction offers solid entertainment with enough twists and action to maintain interest through its 107-minute runtime.