The Martian

Director: Ridley Scott
Writers: Drew Goddard, Andy Weir
Stars: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Sean Bean
Strengths: Story, Effects, Acting
Weakness: Too scientific for some viewers
Runtime: 144 minutes
Rating: 5/5

Plot: After being stranded and presumed dead, Astronaut Mark Watney must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to survive and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

Review: Let's get this straight off the bat; this is a brilliant film and is right up there with all of Ridley Scott's other great films. Everything you see in the film is already scientifically feasible, so nothing in the film feels far-fetched or some scientific fantasy waiting to be fulfilled in some distant future. 

The story kicks off with the 6 crews of the Ares III mission on Mars conducting surface experiments when a fierce storm approaches the crew. Commander Lewis orders the crew to evacuate and they head for their shuttle or MAV when Astronaut and Botanist Mark Watney is struck by debris and blown away in the distance and presumed dead. The remaining astronauts escape Mars and head towards Earth. Later, it's seen that Watney, although injured, was still alive and figures how to survive for atleast 3 years in a base designed for 31 days. He soon figures out a way to grow potatoes on Martian soil as well as finding ways to contact Earth. After communications are established, Mark and NASA figure out ways to ensure his survival and rescue.

The effects used in the film are just so realistic that you may be fooled into thinking that it's more a documentary rather than a film. Also, the way that it brings into light real Martian exploration missions such as Pathfinder really adds further credibility to the film's realism. And even though the story is so serious and scientifically sound, it never feels clinical like watching a documentary on the Discovery Channel. There is ample amount of humour and emotions to keep it feeling fresh and involving but without too much to feel like a drama extravaganza. This film has an eerily similar feel to Ron Howard's Apollo 13. In short, this is an absolute must watch and cannot be missed under any circumstances. Certainly one of the high points of 2015. 

Reviewed by Intisab Shahriyar