TIFF15 Review // The Martian

Director Ridley Scott returns to space with The Martian.  The entertaining drama beings with an emergency evacuation of a Mars research base, where astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is left for dead on the barren planet by his team. The film then follows as Watley survives on the planet in isolation while NASA attempts an unconventional rescue mission to save their stranded astronaut. Damon is a rock star in the lead, Watney is a likeable genius which makes his gruelling struggle compelling yet enjoyable to watch. He’s supported by an incredible ensemble which consists of Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Sabastian Stan, Askel Hennie,Michael Peña, Donald Glover, McKensie Davis, Benedict Wong and Kate Mara. Listing them feels imperative because much like every character they play is integral to the mission, every role was crucial to the film.

Scott’s return to space might not be as ground breaking as his original venture but The Martian still delivers impressive visuals and use of 3D. Most importantly this film champions scientific exploration and encourages curiosity within an entertaining story of human survival.

Capsule Review, Vithiya Murugadas.