Ad Astra

Science fictions film when handled correctly can be a fascinating insight into one idea of the future. Bladerunner 2049 continued in the footsteps of its predecessor with a bleak vision of the world on the brink of collapse, as did Interstellar where the world is running out of food, with both reflecting modern concerns regarding out planet. Release in 2019, Ad Astra, sees Earth in a similar environmental problem but its focus rests almost entirely on Brad Pitt's mission to find his father.

Directed by James Gray, who also made The Lost City of Z, Pitt is the son of a famous astronaut (Tommy Lee Jones) who went out to the deep dark edges of our solar system in a future where a space station is setup on Mars and the Moon's land is contested by mercenaries. The father and his crew lose contact with the outside world, and everywhere else eventually becomes affected by aggressive power surges which might originate from where-ever Jones might be orbiting around Neptune.

Gray's approach to Ad Astra isn't anything like Michael Bay's bombastic, full throttled Armageddon which on paper this could be. We have father issues, a race against the clock and Liv Tyler back on Earth as the love interest but that's where the similarities end. Instead, Ad Astra is mediative and character based journey into the human condition in an extreme environment, depression and so many other things which means that despite what the trailers may say, this is certainly not an action film.

Pitt's performance in the leading role is one of those that's expressed more through what's not said and he gives one of his best but the problem is the questionable to decision to add a voiceover to expand on his character's psyche. It's not as bad as what we had in the American version of Bladerunner (which became obsolete with the director's cut) but it feels unnecessary and spoiled the overall experience as it brought on flashbacks from Pitt's infamous CK aftershave ad.

Looking beyond that, this is still a thoughtful, engaging and visually amazing film drawing strong influences from Heart of Darkness that comes close to greatness even if it won't be for everyone. There were moments, including a chase scene on the Moon, which looked incredible but unfortunately the ending just doesn't quite satisfy in a way that left me feeling good about the film. The biggest cause of this would be the voiceover but there is something else lacking in the story to truly make this a solid recommend.

I'm glad a studio was willing take a risk making Ad Astra but it's a shame the film only goes so far as being good while unable to hit that mark to make it great. The performances from Pitt and Jones are top notch, technically it's amazing and it will entertain some viewers but I'd advise some caution going in not to expect the next 2001: A Space Odyssey.