To the stars is what they say in Latin, ad astra. Not surprisingly the term is now the title of the new 2019 film AD ASTRA starring Brad Pitt in what some are saying is another award winning performance after ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019). The movie is considered a throwback to the hard science fiction of yesteryear where sound is not in space and aliens may not exist.

When second generation astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) is called into Space Command, he learns that his father who was lost in outer space twenty-six years prior may actually still be alive. They send him to Mars to send off a communication to his long lost father to the outskirts of Neptune where he was last reported. Unfortunately, Roy discovers that there may be more to his father’s legacy and to Space Command itself.

The film was directed by James Gray, known for being a favorite at Cannes for his many award winning films (WE OWN THE NIGHT (2007), THE IMMIGRANT (2013)). His latest has received high praise from critics. It also has been discussed as high concept on its statements on society, family relationships, and the human condition. Dark Discussions takes a look at this latest science fiction film and gives their thoughts.