REVIEW: AD ASTRA

This is surprisingly fresh art-house sci-fi boasting stunning visuals and a great lead performance from Brad Pitt. I wasn't expecting the experience I left the theater with but after reflecting I'm really happy with this film. The greatness here stems from writer/director James Grey's solid direction enabling the film to work on multiple levels; man's mission to save humanity, man's journey to meet his creator, and the film's main structure of a son searching for his lost father. Brad Pitt's calm and collected McBride is at first a strong, excellent astronaut with an extraordinary talent for remaining composed. As the film progresses, conflicts arise, and McBride starts to unhinge- creating visceral tension for viewers. What cracks a man who doesn't break? How much of it can he take? This film's slow burn and avant garde style won't be for everyone. Those with patience and an eye for great cinematography will be pleased and perhaps even emotionally satisfied.

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