This is an impressive and amazing movie! Based on the book by author Andy Weir, it has become known for its scientific accuracy, and it packs a powerful emotional punch.
It stars Ryan Gosling in the lead role of Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher. Grace teaches at Grover Cleveland Middle School. Gosling navigates the various emotions of frustration, grief, and hope all very well. He finds himself aboard a mission he never would have imagined. He is joined by two others, but when he wakes up sometime later to learn the other two are deceased, the panic sets in. “I can’t be the only person here,” he says to himself. However, there are moments of comic relief that help keep the audience invested in being in for the long haul in watching the story unfold. For example, when Grace attempts to navigate a lack of gravity, it is quite comedic. And the movie has a runtime of approximately 160 minutes, so it is not a quick watch. And yet, it manages to keep the audience invested in its outcome as it moves along from plotline to plotline. Of course, the idea of the “Hail Mary” is a desperation pass in football and desperation is a key element in this movie.
The audience learns that the sun is burning itself out and Grace is attempting to find out why and what can be done. There are flashbacks of his teaching days, sharing some humorous moments with his students, as well as when he became, quite unexpectedly, an astronaut.
One of the strong points of this movie is when Grace comes across a rock-like alien which he calls “Rocky” (voiced by James Ortiz.) They banter back and forth and share some very funny moments. They attempt to solve the mystery of the “Petrova Line” and why unexplained dots are eating away at the sun. Kids back home worry about a day in the future when they might face starvation. Grace keeps himself moving forward by taking a few drinks of vodka and dancing with a mop! The dance sequence will almost certainly elicit a few chuckles from the audience.
The movie is intense and interesting. The audience will no doubt be introduced to a new word, “astrophage,” which will play a part in the plot of the movie. There are scientific terms used here and there throughout the movie but the story is relatively easy to follow. The special effects are impressive and yet the human drama is not forgotten. A touching scene occurs when Grace jettisons the bodies of his deceased companions into space. Yet, again, the funny moments help balance the seriousness of Grace’s situation. At one point as an object moves toward his ship, Grace says, “Shields up”. The ship’s voice replies, “There are no shields.” “Why not?!” Grace asks humorously. The audience will also laugh when he trips over a slight lift in the floor of the ship.
We wish to note there is a jump scene in the film when an unexpected and very loud explosion is suddenly heard as it rips near Grace’s ship. The suspense of the movie is almost tangible, as the viewer wonders what exactly will happen to Grace and his ship, the ship he calls “Mary.” And what will happen to Rocky? And be forewarned that, when you think the movie is concluding, a surprise awaits.
Such scenes as Rocky imitating Grace’s movements, and fist bumping him are treasured moments in the movie. Of course, it becomes hilarious later on when Rocky desires a “fist my bump!!” And Grace still has his shining moments, such as when he suggests the name “Adrian” for Rocky’s companion! Another comedic moment takes place when Grace and Rocky give each other a hug. After several seconds, Rocky asks, “How do you know when the hug is done?”
The movie features important themes such as sacrifice, perseverance, and the need to retain a sense of humor. And bravery is another key element in the movie’s plot. Due to some mild use of language, and the maturity level of the film, we are recommending the picture for ages 12+. There is a pay-off in the end, and most viewers should be pleased.
Content Analysis: There is a song at the end of the movie called Since I Laid My Burdens Down, a Christian song, with lyrics of “it’s glory, glory, hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down.” Although not powerfully a Christian film, the idea is still placed within. The realities of navigating through scientific questions and dealing with problems of space and the Earth are nicely addressed. There are several uses of “OMG” but the language is, overall, mild.
Think About It: Discussion questions can revolve around where our planet Earth is headed, scientifically speaking, what Bible prophecy suggests, and how kids would react in certain situations if they were faced with the difficulties the characters in the movie face. In one sequence it is discussed about committing suicide if the mission “goes south.”
The Dove Take: This amazing movie features a nice balance of a dramatic plotline, humor, and burning questions about where mankind is headed in the future. We are awarding it our Dove Seal for Ages 12+, with the caveat that parents should consult our content listing. Some parents will be fine with their kids a bit under 12 watching but it is not intended for very young children.
