The Martian

By Stephen Fasulo II

The Martian is a triumph of film.

Let me first say this is a perfect example of science fiction. As a note, science fiction is grounded in reality and does not mean that it could never happen. This movie never forces Matt Damon’s character, Mark Watney, to chase after the unattainable. Further, there are no moments where you sigh in frustration at a character’s stupidity. It is smartly written without being preachy.

This film is truly driven forward by its characters and Damon is truly amazing in his role. His explanations of the recording systems of the Ares III Artificial Habitat detailing his survival techniques are full of emotion. When he is at his most hopeful or his most despondent, the movie shines.

You begin to sincerely feel for Watney, Damon’s character. He is truly isolated, the only man on a planet, three years away from his home. He is sarcastic, casual, and lighthearted when he talks to the various cameras on the habitat to ease his dread and hopelessness.

However, Damon doesn’t deliver the only dynamite performance. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Donald Glover, Sean Bean, and the actors who play the other members of the Ares III crew and the NASA mission control are each well utilized. The characters are all necessary, they each demonstrate what they need, and there are several examples of groups that interact perfectly with one another. The chemistry between all the actors is incredible.

The film is great due to the challenges which the characters face. On Earth, the NASA team struggles with their inability to help Watney as he is trapped on Mars, and on Mars Watney’s struggle to survive is interesting to watch. His struggle includes a devoted attempt to grow potatoes.

If you see a movie in the next few weeks, make sure you see The Martian, because I guarantee there is not a better film out in the theaters right now.