Brad Pitt’s Ad Astra Is Aging Like a Fine Wine

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Many great science fiction films haven’t received the attention they deserve when they were first released, but some, like Ad Astra, have become even more appreciated over time. Classics such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, Interstellar, Alien, and The Martian are now considered iconic examples of the genre. It’s unfortunate that Ad Astra isn’t yet considered to be among them.

James Gray’s film Ad Astra, which premiered in Venice and was released in theaters in September 2019 (Gray co-wrote the script with Ethan Gross), wasn’t the typical action-filled sci-fi movie. This disappointed some fans at the time, but seven years later, the film feels even more powerful, moving, and important than it did initially.

Ad Astra Is One of Cinema’s Most Underrated Sci-Fi Movies

Initially conceived by Gray and Gross as a tribute to Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Ad Astra evolved through revisions into a more realistic and emotionally driven story. Gray collaborated with physicist Lawrence Krauss to ensure scientific accuracy, and the film also features stunning visuals by Hoyte van Hoytema and a moving score by Max Richter, alongside a compelling performance from

The film follows McBride as he journeys through space, growing more and more determined to reach his father (Tommy Lee Jones) on the Lima Space Station, which orbits Neptune. While exploring the potential and risks of antimatter and featuring interplanetary travel, the story primarily focuses on McBride’s emotional quest to connect with his distant father, keeping the science fiction elements rooted in a relatable, human story.

As a critic, I have to say the visuals in Ad Astra are simply stunning. The cinematography is truly groundbreaking, and the way the camera moves really pulls you into the story. It’s a visually unique sci-fi film, unlike anything I’d seen before. What really struck me, though, was the film’s deliberate pace and how little dialogue there was. Brad Pitt gives a wonderfully subtle performance, and it all adds up to a deeply captivating experience. Honestly, I think it slipped under the radar when it was first released in 2019, and it’s a real shame. Looking back, it’s become clear that Ad Astra is one of the most underrated sci-fi films of recent years, maybe even of all time.

Brad Pitt Delivers One of His Best Performances in Ad Astra

Brad Pitt is known for his long and impressive career, and many critics consider Ad Astra to be one of his best films. The movie powerfully explores the complex relationship between fathers and sons, tackling themes of masculinity, loneliness, and how trauma can affect generations. This makes Ad Astra a deeply moving and thought-provoking science fiction film – a quiet, introspective contrast to many of today’s big-budget, action-packed blockbusters.

Instead of relying on humor, action, or big displays of emotion, his performance as Roy McBride is remarkably subtle and complex. He brilliantly communicates deep sadness, past trauma, and hidden desires through small facial expressions and a quiet, melancholic voiceover. The character’s grief subtly permeates his calm and factual narration, creating a powerfully moving portrayal.

Brad Pitt gives a stunningly vulnerable and restrained performance in Ad Astra, moving away from his typical charismatic screen presence. The film itself focuses on emotional connection rather than big action sequences, and Pitt’s acting perfectly reflects this. While Ad Astra didn’t perform well in theaters when it first came out, it truly deserves more recognition now, several years later.

Ad Astra’s Melancholic Tone Works Better Today Than 7 Years Ago

The subtlety of Brad Pitt’s acting extends to the entire feel of the movie. Ad Astra deliberately avoids the usual flashy effects of science fiction films, choosing instead to concentrate on a deeply personal and emotional story. This creates a somewhat sad and reflective mood, which may be why the film received mixed reviews, didn’t perform well in theaters, and left some viewers unimpressed. Even the director, James Gray, wasn’t entirely satisfied with the finished product.

Director James Gray hinted that 20th Century Fox changed his film, resulting in a final version that differed from his initial intent. Although he expressed concerns and the movie earned a modest $135.2 million at the box office despite costing $80–$100 million to make, Ad Astra remains a visually impressive science fiction film, and both audiences and Gray deserve to appreciate it more.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve noticed something really cool happening over the last seven years. We’ve been getting some seriously mind-bending sci-fi, both in cinemas and on streaming – films like Tenet, Severance, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Project Hail Mary, and The Creator have really pushed the boundaries of what the genre can do. It feels like audiences are craving those thought-provoking stories now, and that’s made a film like Ad Astra feel even more powerful. It’s aged beautifully, honestly, while some of the bigger, more traditional sci-fi blockbusters haven’t held up quite as well.

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2026-05-27 23:11