Movie Details

Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
Release Date: September 20, 2019
Cast: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland
Director: James Gray
Production Company: New Regency Productions, Plan B Entertainment
Runtime: 123 minutes

IMDb Scorecard

IMDb Score: 6.5/10

Is This Flick for You? (No Spoilers)

A Brief Summary

“Ad Astra” follows the journey of astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) as he ventures into the outer reaches of space to find his missing father, Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), whose doomed expedition may be threatening the solar system. This visually stunning and introspective film explores themes of isolation, the quest for truth, and the father-son dynamic against the vast backdrop of the cosmos.

Cast & Characters

• Brad Pitt as Roy McBride: Pitt delivers a restrained and contemplative performance, carrying the weight of the film with his portrayal of a man grappling with loneliness and unresolved paternal issues.
• Tommy Lee Jones as Clifford McBride: Jones brings a haunting intensity to the role of Roy’s father, a man whose obsession with discovering extraterrestrial life has far-reaching consequences.
• Ruth Negga as Helen Lantos: Negga’s character adds depth to the narrative, providing crucial information and emotional resonance.
• Liv Tyler as Eve McBride: Although her screen time is limited, Tyler effectively portrays Roy’s estranged wife, adding to his emotional turmoil.

Genre & Themes

“Ad Astra” is a science fiction drama that leans heavily into introspective and psychological themes. Central themes include the search for meaning, the impact of isolation, and the complex nature of human connections, especially between fathers and sons. The film also touches on the existential dread and wonder associated with space exploration.

Target Audience

This movie is ideal for fans of contemplative science fiction and character-driven narratives. It will appeal to viewers who appreciate films that explore deep psychological and emotional themes, with a slower pace and a focus on visual storytelling. Suitable for mature audiences due to its introspective nature and thematic complexity.

Deep Dive (Spoiler Alert)

Plot Analysis

“Ad Astra” begins with Roy McBride, a seasoned astronaut, undertaking a routine mission. His life is upended when he is informed that his father, long thought dead, may be alive near Neptune and conducting experiments that threaten Earth.

Key Scenes and Their Significance

1. Opening Scene – The Fall:
   • Description: The film opens with Roy working on a massive antenna tower extending from Earth into space. A surge causes an explosion, and Roy plummets back to Earth.
   • Significance: This dramatic opening sets the stage for the film’s exploration of Roy’s psychological state. His calmness during the fall introduces his composed, emotionally distant character, highlighting his suitability for the dangerous mission ahead.

2. The Briefing:
   • Description: Roy is briefed by military officials who reveal that mysterious energy surges from Neptune are linked to his father’s project, the Lima Project, aimed at finding intelligent extraterrestrial life.
   • Significance: This scene serves as the inciting incident, propelling Roy on his journey and revealing the emotional stakes tied to his father. It also establishes the film’s central conflict: the clash between scientific ambition and personal connections.

3. Journey to the Moon and Mars:
   • Description: Roy’s journey takes him first to the Moon and then Mars, where he faces various challenges, including a lunar rover chase and the isolation of space travel.
   • Significance: These sequences highlight the film’s impressive visuals and the dangers of space travel. The lunar rover chase adds a rare action-packed moment, while Mars emphasizes Roy’s isolation and determination.

4. Recording the Message:
   • Description: On Mars, Roy records a message intended to reach his father, revealing his vulnerability and deep-seated need for connection.
   • Significance: This is a pivotal emotional moment for Roy, showing cracks in his stoic exterior. It deepens the father-son dynamic and underscores Roy’s internal struggle.

5. Neptune and the Final Confrontation:
   • Description: Roy finally reaches Neptune and confronts his father, who is unrepentant and obsessed with his mission. Clifford chooses to detach himself from the space station, leading to his death.
   • Significance: The confrontation is the emotional climax of the film, bringing closure to Roy’s journey. Clifford’s refusal to return home highlights the destructive nature of his obsession, while Roy’s survival and return to Earth symbolize his emotional growth and acceptance.

Character Journey

• Roy McBride: Roy’s arc is central to the film. His journey from emotional detachment to confronting his feelings about his father and his own place in the universe is deeply moving. Pitt’s nuanced performance captures this evolution beautifully.
• Clifford McBride: Clifford’s character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession. His detachment from humanity in pursuit of his goals contrasts sharply with Roy’s eventual acceptance of human connections.

Visuals & Vibes

“Ad Astra” is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography that captures the eerie beauty and vast emptiness of space. The film uses a muted color palette and meticulous framing to create a sense of isolation and introspection. The visual effects are top-notch, adding to the immersive experience without overwhelming the narrative.

Tunes & Tones

Max Richter’s haunting score complements the film’s meditative tone perfectly. The music underscores the emotional and psychological depths of the story, enhancing the sense of wonder and melancholy that permeates the film.

Behind the Lens

James Gray’s direction is deliberate and introspective, focusing on character and theme over action. The screenplay, co-written by Gray and Ethan Gross, balances the science fiction elements with deep psychological and emotional exploration. Gray’s vision for the film as a contemplative journey is clear and executed with precision.

Hidden Messages

“Ad Astra” explores themes of isolation, the search for meaning, and the impact of familial relationships. It questions the cost of ambition and the human need for connection, ultimately suggesting that true discovery lies not in the stars, but in our relationships with others.

The Final Word

Hits & Misses

Hits:

• Stunning visuals and cinematography
• Nuanced and introspective performance by Brad Pitt
• Thought-provoking themes and emotional depth
• Haunting and evocative score
• Strong direction and deliberate pacing

Misses:

• Slow pacing may not appeal to all viewers
• Some may find the introspective nature of the film lacking in action

Should You Watch?

Absolutely. “Ad Astra” is a beautifully crafted film that offers a profound and introspective journey through space and the human psyche. It’s a must-watch for fans of thoughtful science fiction and character-driven narratives.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• The title “Ad Astra” is Latin for “To the Stars.”
• Brad Pitt performed many of his own stunts, including the zero-gravity sequences.
• The film’s depiction of space travel was praised for its realism, despite some artistic liberties.

If You Liked This, Check Out…

• Interstellar
• Gravity
• First Man
• The Martian
• Solaris