Not as bad as people rated it This movie is based on reincarnation which is obviously with each chapter telling the stage of reincarnation.
There are several at reincarnation station. Dr. Karn and the elephant mask connects to Hinduism from which this movie is inspired. Karn was the name of a warrior that lived during the time of God Krishna and Elephant mask connects to God Ganesh who is the first deity to be worshipped on any auspicious occasion as per Hindu texts.
Dr. Karn seem to be given the task of resetting the memory of died people who somehow remembers their past life. So this guy Harrison remembers his past life which is represented in the form of a dream. Even Dr. Karn doesn't know who set up this system as he said near the end of this movie.
I am not saying it is a masterpiece, however I liked it more than Mulholland drive and Pulp fiction which everyone praises. This one was actually entertained me unlike those two I mentioned.
There were many problems in the plot and screenplay though, like who was Rory, why there were two of him. Why he was there at all? Why Maria went to him then called Harrison saying help me. Director should have clearly it a little by the end or released a director's cut including some scenes to explain. Same issues I have had with pretentiously deep movies like pulp fiction who don't have a central theme or story going on. I have no issue with complex movies, I loved Tenet. It was convoluted too but it was enjoyable. Chariot was good but could have been great with a little clarity in the storytelling.