Director
James Gray
(THE IMMIGRANT, THE LOST CITY OF Z, WE OWN THE NIGHT)

Starring
Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Liv Tyler, Ruth Negga and Donald Sutherland

Filmmaker James Gray has said that AD ASTRA will feature “the most realistic depiction of space travel that’s been put in a movie”. Largely due to the fact that I have never seen several space movies, some of which are considered to be classics, I simply do not consider myself to be the most suitable candidate to validate this claim. However, does AD ASTRA feature the most realistic depiction of space travel that’s been put in a movie that I have seen? 100% yes it does!

Before we further explore that trajectory of the film, let’s venture back to planet Earth for a moment, which is where our central character, Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) and his wife Eve (Liv Tyler) reside. Immediately after Roy returns from space, it is evident that distance, and not necessarily in the physical sense, is of growing concern in their relationship. With his marriage now on the rocks, Roy must accept a highly classified and dangerous new mission that if successful, will save many lives, but has deeply personal connections to him and his past. Can the answers to Roy’s worldly issues be discovered in space and if so, will he return home safely to save what’s most important to him?

So back to where I confirmed that AD ASTRA does feature the most realistic depiction of space travel that I’ve seen in a movie, don’t be surprised if in 20 or 30 years from now, what transpires here is based on a true story. Honestly, this completely immersive film eloquently conveys a very human story and conceivably exhibits a world beyond what we know of now with startling and innovative imagery and sound combined.

When weighing up the two components, yes AD ASTRA (which means ‘to the stars’ in Latin) will be better remembered for the visual experience it captivates with more so than the story of closure and reconciliation it tenderly renders. Having said that, Roy’s emotional expedition is one essential part of the catalyst for his dedication to the mission and is just as excellently written as the spatial story itself. This aspect of the film could very easily have become convoluted or even esoteric. Instead, the writing boasts clarity and the pacing is perfectly matched, which results with an adventurous science-fiction drama that is broadly accessible and hugely engaging.

Something more that I admire about AD ASTRA is its originality and sturdy directing, especially throughout the middle stages of the film. Opportunities to sway more heavily one way or another and opt for a more familiar outlet do appear, but this film never loses sight of its ultimate destination or its themes.

Pending the release of some upcoming films, I’m currently tipping AD ASTRA to be nominated for a plethora of Academy Awards at the next Oscars. Namely, in film production categories such as cinematography, visual effects and sound mixing, but possibly also for James Gray in directing and Brad Pitt, who is uniformly excellent in the lead role. Guys, this really is one of the best films of the year. Don’t miss seeing AD ASTRA at the cinema and definitely do not be late, or else you will miss the stunning opening sequence, which is one of 2019’s cinematic highlights!

4 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
M (Science fiction themes, violence and coarse language)

Trailer
AD ASTRA

Moviedoc thanks Twentieth Century Fox for the invite to the screening of this film.

AD ASTRA is released in cinemas throughout Australia from September 19th, 2019.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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