Review of The Martian (2015) by Harry W — 30 Mar 2017

Almost zany in its attempt to deliver a castaway story on Mars, its meandering tone and pace are refreshing in such a serious, heady genre and is probably the happiest film about space (are there really any happy films about space?), particularly being lost in space.

The cheesy disco soundtrack helps fuel this slightly lighthearted feeling throughout and is also bolstered by the cameo of Kristen Wiig, mostly known for her dry and darkly comic roles and proves once again that she can lighten up the bleakest of films.

The Martian is not a comedy, but nor is it a thriller. It's a genuinely brilliant story, however. Matt Damon's brilliant performance grounds the film throughout and is constant, committed and extremely well executed.

Damon doesn't seem to take the role too seriously and this is a good thing, however is performance is undeniably believable. Jessica Chastain is also a perfect compliment to Damon's presence, providing a cosmic yin yang chemistry.

Ridley uses his dreamily effervescent and textured perspective to deliver a film that is great, if a tad overlong in places. Definitely worth a watch.