Ad Astra review: Brad Pitt proving once again he is a star
If you like to be gently eased into a film this isn’t the one as immediately you’re plunged into the deep end with a vertigo-inducing opening sequence. Similar to that of the Red Bull space dive.
In a future not beyond our reach, astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) drifts through space and life as an empty shell void of all emotion, functioning on pure impulse. His father (Tommy Lee Jones), a legendary astronaut that disappeared sixteen years ago while on a mission in the outer reaches of our solar system. Roy must reconnect with his father and his emotions if he wishes to stop the electrical surges originating from Neptune.
In Director James Gray’s first venture to space, he’s truly created a spectacle that’s out of this world. Although not a lot is revealed about the universe crafted by Gray it feels remarkably familiar. The cinematography and visual effects are flawless (bar one minor exception but I’ll get to that at the end) helping us accept the moon pirates and the surprise cameo from a primate. Yes, that means you get to see a moon-buggy chase.
Brad Pitt’s emotional journey is one that screams pure class. He demonstrates such a range of acting ability which is needed to truly do his character justice. Roy is an incredibly developed character making him a joy to watch. Whereas his wife (Liv Tyler) is a very underdeveloped character but instead of hindering the film it instead sheds even more light on Roy’s mental state.
Although the film takes you on a journey spanning over two billion miles it’s incredibly focussed on Roy’s interior emotions. Instead of being faced with the vast abyss of space you’re often faced with a close up trained on brads every emotion. Only adding to the spectacle.
Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… The chink in Ad Astra’s glistening armour, Brad Pitt’s CGI beard in the final scene. It’s not awful but its definitely noticeable and unfortunately ruined the emersion for the last five minutes. But all that being said this film is truly wonderful.
Rating 4/5
