If you appreciate reviews like mine, please check out my blog. I'm drawn to sci-fi movies set in space, especially when they present the cosmos with such striking visuals as *Ad Astra* does. It’s a film where the beauty of the imagery truly elevates the story being told. If the opening sequence doesn’t give you chills or generate excitement, this might not be your kind of movie. From the quiet but impactful sound design to the impressive cinematography, James Gray delivers a visually captivating story with an outstanding lead performance. Brad Pitt is almost certainly going to receive numerous award nominations this season (and let's not forget his excellent work in *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*). His understated yet deeply emotional portrayal showcases a remarkable range. He essentially carries the entire screenplay, and I didn’t find that problematic at all. There’s a significant amount of narration, which leads to what will likely be the most divisive aspect of the movie: it unfolds deliberately slowly. While some films intentionally move at a measured pace—and many of my favorite movies do—it's not uncommon for general audiences to dislike this approach. *Ad Astra* isn’t an action film or a comedy; it’s a character-driven drama, so much of the running time is dedicated to exploring Roy’s development. However, don’t go in expecting constant entertainment. Some moments aren't meant to thrill you or leave you astonished. Certain sequences simply aim to immerse you in the environment, allowing you to feel lost in space (IMAX is definitely the preferred way to watch this film). Don’t anticipate that an eight-day journey to another planet will be resolved quickly. Gray purposefully establishes a slow rhythm. It's clear that most viewers don’t typically enjoy films like this, but if you manage your expectations realistically, you’ll likely find it less tedious. The initial act is what grabs everyone’s attention. It doesn’t linger on Earth, moving through events fairly quickly and containing 90% of the film's more intense action sequences—including one of the best openings of the year. Sound plays a crucial role in how Gray directs his scenes, and it’s remarkable how well-shot the lunar chase sequences are. From a scientific perspective, this isn’t like *Interstellar*, where you simply have to accept some mind-bending, yet questionable elements. *Ad Astra* avoids any scene that might pull viewers out of the narrative by presenting something impossible in a future setting. This is quite a compliment for a space film featuring multiple launches, lunar bases, and (very) lengthy journeys through space. However, the remaining two acts concentrate intensely on Pitt’s character, which slows down the central plot. As I mentioned earlier, Roy's inner thoughts are used extensively to develop his story. While narration is often an issue, even when delivered by Brad Pitt, some monologues do help flesh out the character or explain what he’s experiencing, but others drift into philosophical territory that doesn’t always convey a meaningful or interesting message. Sometimes it feels a little dull using such plain language. Also, the conclusion might disappoint many viewers. Tommy Lee Jones (H. Clifford McBride) has limited screen time, and I can't go into detail about his storyline, but his character’s relationship with Roy doesn’t quite provide a satisfying resolution. Max Richter’s score is among the best of 2019, and I hope it receives recognition from every awards show. It certainly enhances the overall experience. The absence of sound in space also has its own powerful effect. Beautifully edited, but with a consistently slow pace that doesn't change from the beginning of the second act. Still, the story of *Ad Astra* is far better than, for example, Gray’s *The Lost City of Z*, which I genuinely disliked. This space adventure is visually more exciting, its narrative is more engaging, and its protagonist is more compelling than anything else in Gray's previous film. Ultimately, it’s one of those movies where watching it in a theater (especially IMAX) or at home makes a significant difference. You won’t feel as engaged or captivated when viewing it at home, so be sure to see this on the best screen available near you. Overall, *Ad Astra* is another showcase for Brad Pitt's chances at an Oscar. With a subtle yet powerful performance, Pitt carries the story forward with tremendous help from the stunning visuals. Technically, it’s one of 2019’s closest films to perfection: beautifully shot, well-edited, featuring an immersive score and gorgeous cinematography. However, its slow pace doesn't always work as intended. Narration is the primary method used to develop Pitt’s character, and while it generally succeeds, it slows down the main plot, becoming a bit tedious at times. The ending isn’t the impactful payoff that the film needed, and the impressive supporting cast feels underused. Nevertheless, it's still a great movie worth seeing on the biggest screen possible—so go check it out! Rating: B+

Source on TMDB