The sun flares brightly. Mars' distinctive reddish hue fills the screen as the opening credits roll. Music rises as we approach the Martian surface and a base camp comes into view. Initially, we are met with a scene of human progress, and soon we will see a testament to human endurance. "The Martian" is a sci-fi epic that inspires confidence in human ingenuity while simultaneously teaching a harsh lesson in the dangers that we may face venturing out into the void. Space is seen in all of its majesty and cruelty in two short hours.
Throughout the film we see a clever balancing act delivered by Ridley Scott and screenplay writer Drew Goddard. "The Martian" remains upbeat but tense over the course of its runtime. It manages to deliver surprises that keep the viewer on the edge of their seat throughout the film. Without giving too much away, the audience simply doesn't know what problem is going to happen next. Comic relief is used liberally to ensure that the film doesn't take itself too seriously; it is a science fiction film, after all. Of course, the balance is also maintained by a superb team of actors.
Among the film's many bright stars, Damon stands above the rest. His character, Mark Watney, comes alive throughout his epic struggle. We see Watney express an impressive range of emotions. As the film progresses, we see him struggle with loneliness, fear, frustration, happiness, cynicism, and just about every other noticeable feeling. Damon delivers the full spectrum as only a true professional can. Some other bright stars are Jessica Chastain and Donald Glover. Both breathe life into their characters, who otherwise could have faded as minor supporting roles. Overall, the acting is well done and quite enjoyable to watch. The basic premise also delivers a satisfying end result.
"The Martian," at its core, is a struggle against overwhelming odds. There is nothing more challenging than surviving outside of Earth. The film portrays the journey in an interesting and (with a little suspension of disbelief) believable way. I learned more than I expected to, especially from watching a science fiction movie. The film is an intelligent portrayal of a possible future that may, with the right amount of luck and intuition, come to pass.
Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi creation is an extremely enjoyable film that will have you leaving the theater satisfied. You may even find yourself leaving the theater inspired.
