Film Review #001 - Ad Astra (2019)


Plot: Ad Astra is about a son trying to find his father who disappeared in space. The son goes on a three-month journey to Neptune and the Lima Project.

Sound and Music: The sound in the movie is really amazing. It has lots of carefully made sound effects, e.g., crackling noises and deep bass sounds. The score is like Interstellar, but different. It uses violins and ambient sounds instead of organs. The Shepard tone makes the chase scenes in the film tense. Kudos to Max Richter for composing the soundtrack for this movie.
Cinematography: The movie's camera work is really cool and has a unique approach. Cinematography is so chilling when it comes to drone shots and of course I loved the regular camera movements and medium shots. The color grading, especially in certain scenes, is impressive and helps tell the story visually. The space scenes in the film are incredibly beautiful and it is an obvious perfection.
Visual Effects: CGi Was used thoughtfully and wisely, hence, no other ways would be possible to depict it and it was a good choice by the director.
Direction and Pacing: Each new part of the film brings new challenges, making the tension increase and then go away. This directing style keeps a medium pace in the movie, switching between tense moments and short breaks.
Narration: The narrator's voice adds depth to the story, making it more interesting. They deliver it well and it matches the film's mood.
Acting: I really liked the actors' performances.
Plot Twist: The plot twist was similar to Interstellar (2014), but I kind of saw it coming. Though, it didn't ruin the overall experience, but wish it was even more dramatic.
Script and Storytelling: The writing in Ad Astra is interesting and keeps you hooked. The story is captivating and easy to follow. The story's overall feeling is bittersweet just like in Chris Nolan movies, reflecting the complicated relationships between people.

Rating: 9/10

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