Ridley Scott has conquered the final frontier with The Martian

Ridley Scott has conquered the final frontier with The Martian. This intergalactic, realistic journey proves that the director has returned to form.

Andy Weir’s best-selling novel makes a seamless and effortless transition to the big screen thanks to screenwriter Drew Goddard. Scott and Goddard take a scientific, yet humanist vision and produce a larger than life film.

The Martian is about the will to survive. Mark Watney (Matt Damon) has been left stranded on Mars after his crew presumed he had died in an extremely violent storm. Watney must figure out how to survive with a limited amount of resources and if it would even be possible to return to Earth. The film cuts between Watney and members of NASA who are desperately trying to figure out if a rescue mission could even be possible. These dual storylines provide a level of tension throughout.

Matt Damon has the weight of this movie on his shoulders and delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. He is supported by an all-star cast with Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover and Michael Peña.

The Martian takes risk at every turn and shows off that it isn’t afraid to move away from cinematic stereotypes. This isn’t another Gravity or Interstellar. It is hilarious, entertaining and fun, playing with humor throughout, despite the high stakes for the characters.

Comparisons will be drawn to Castaway and Apollo 13 because of story similarities, but this film feels like a complete reimagining of the survival genre. This is a story is a non-stop thrill ride, grounded in the idea that one man could inspire not only NASA but also the world to come together. At times, The Martian feels like Scott’s love letter to those who keep dreaming, which only adds another layer of complexity and passion to every frame.

The Martian is a story that needs to be experienced on the big screen. Every frame feels like you are actually stepping foot on Mars and it’s surreal at times. It will likely be in the conversation when it comes to Oscar nominations for directing, acting and visual effects.

This is a modern telling of survival, human compassion and problem solving and it marks the return of Scott doing what he does best, telling stories that will inspire for years to come. Welcome back Scott.