Ad Astra (2019)
Director: James Gray
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure
Starring: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland, Liv Tyler
Plot Summary:
Ad Astra is a contemplative and visually stunning sci-fi drama that explores the vastness of space and the emotional depths of a man’s search for meaning. Directed by James Gray, the film takes audiences on a solitary, existential journey, exploring themes of isolation, human connection, and the burdens of legacy.
The story follows Roy McBride (Brad Pitt), a highly skilled astronaut, whose calm demeanor and stoic professionalism contrast sharply with the overwhelming emotions he grapples with. When a series of mysterious power surges threaten the stability of Earth, Roy is tasked with a critical mission: travel to the farthest reaches of the solar system to find his father, Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), a legendary astronaut who disappeared years earlier during a mission to Neptune. It’s believed that Clifford’s mission may be responsible for the disruptions, and Roy must convince him to cease his dangerous experiments before they lead to catastrophic consequences.
As Roy travels deeper into space, the journey becomes not just about finding his father, but understanding his own identity and coming to terms with his strained relationship with the man who abandoned him. Along the way, Roy faces the overwhelming vastness of space, encountering both physical and emotional obstacles that challenge his mental and emotional endurance.
The film’s breathtaking visuals—capturing the beauty and solitude of space—are matched by Brad Pitt’s nuanced performance, which underscores a man’s inner conflict and quiet despair. Ad Astra blends classic space exploration tropes with introspective and philosophical reflections on what it means to be human, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from the genre. The movie’s meditative tone and slow-building tension make it a deeply personal exploration of legacy, familial ties, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of the infinite cosmos.
At its heart, Ad Astra is a poignant exploration of the relationship between father and son, the vast emotional distance that can exist between them, and the universal quest for understanding and reconciliation.