Ad Astra

"Ad Astra" is a 2019 American science fiction film directed by James Gray, following Major Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) as he embarks on a perilous journey across the Solar System to locate his father, H. Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), who vanished 30 years prior during the "Lima Project" mission aimed at discovering extraterrestrial life. After a series of catastrophic energy surges threaten Earth, Roy is tasked with investigating whether these events are connected to his father's expedition, who may still be alive and acting against humanity. Throughout his mission, Roy confronts various obstacles, including lunar pirates and psychological challenges on Mars, prompting him to reevaluate his relationship with his father and his own emotional detachment. The film delves into themes of isolation, fatherhood, and the search for meaning, blending visually stunning space sequences with profound philosophical introspection. The cast also features Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, and Donald Sutherland. "Ad Astra" received critical acclaim for its visual effects, cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, and Pitt's performance, though it sparked debate over its slow pacing and introspective narrative style. With a budget of approximately $90 million, the film grossed over $135 million worldwide.