A technical, visual, and overall cinematic masterpiece that delivers on its goal to entertain!
In what will likely go down as one of the biggest sci-fi films of the year, Ad Astra attempts to create a new space odyssey based on science and spectacle. In the not too distant future mankind has expanded further into the stars. The film follows the astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) as he traverses the solar system to contact his father and find the meaning behind “the surge”, a mysterious phenomena that threatens the survival of the human race.
The film’s story focuses on the spectacle of space via Roy’s search for his long lost father Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones). Clifford has been missing for almost thirty years following an expedition to Neptune. In an attempt to solve the mystery of “the surge”, Roy must venture deep into our solar system to make contact with his father.
Director James Gray emphasized scientific and realistic space travel leading up to the release of the movie, and that’s where it really shines. Stunning scenes of characters journeying across the barren wastes of the Moon or Mars. Match that with intense visuals of astronauts clinging to mere tethers while floating in deep space. These tense and emotional visuals do an excellent job of captivating the audience for the entire run time.
I’d say Ad Astra succeeds if the filmmakers goal was to create an enthralling science fiction adventure film that feels genuinely grounded in reality. Some elements felt unnecessary, including some odd tonal shifts and a relentlessly annoying voice-over narration. However, overall this film creates a thrilling atmosphere thanks to its excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, and extraordinary score by Max Richter.
Ad Astra is scheduled to release in the United States on September 20th, later this week.
