Ad Astra (2019) is one of the finest science fiction movies ever made. It portrays a near future that is realistic rather than dystopian or utopian. The story is compelling. It has several breathtaking action scenes, including one that is a low-gravity car chase on the moon, and another one that involves swimming on Mars. It stars Brad Pitt. So why is Ad Astra not well known even among those who enjoy science fiction?
The biggest problem I see with the film is that some of the technology is implausible for a near-future setting and some of the physics is impossible. This includes the ability to travel to the moon in the matter of hours using chemical rockets. However, scientific inaccuracies aren’t known to be a problem for people liking a movie, so this can’t explain it. I’m at a loss.
To me, the most interesting aspect of Ad Astra is that it shows the stoic astronaut protagonist, portrayed by Brad Pitt, repeatedly doing incantations that merge the Lord’s Prayer and psychological self-evaluations.
I’m steady and calm. I slept well, no bad dreams. I’m active and engaged. I’m aware of my surroundings and those in my immediate sphere. I’m attentive. I’m focused on the essential to the exclusion of all else. I’m unsure of the future but I’m not concerned. I will rely on those closest to me. I will share their burdens as they share mine. I will live and love.
Submit.
