Ad Astra (2019)

Set in the near future, the solar system is being bombarded with destructive power surges of unknown origin. An astronaut (Brad Pitt) is selected to go on a top secret mission whose eventual destination is Neptune where his father (Tommy Lee Jones), once believed dead, is thought to be alive and somehow responsible for the destructive surges. Directed by James Gray (THE IMMIGRANT), this is the best science fiction film since 2013's GRAVITY (not that there have been a whole lot of candidates). This is an intelligent thinking man's sci-fi that concentrates on one man's interior journey (including living without the presence of a father that is considered a hero) which is reflected in the film's austere visuals (and the score by Max Richter) rather than action and expository dialog. While not on the level of a 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY or SOLARIS, it appeals to our intellect and those going in expecting a big payoff are bound to be disappointed. Pitt gives a terrific performance, proving once again that he is one of the best actors working in film today. Considering Pitt's other sensational 2019 performance in ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, the Academy will have a tough time deciding which performance to nominate. With Donald Sutherland, Ruth Negga, Natasha Lyonne, Loren Dean, Kimberly Elise and Liv Tyler (whose role seems to have been cut to shreds).