Award-winning director Ridley Scott, the man behind cult classic films such as Alien and Gladiator, brought this film to life and it’s kept audiences captivated for 10 years.
Released in 2015, the science fiction movie The Martian broke records and left viewers lying in its wake, quite literally breathless. It went on to receive seven Academy Award nominations that same year, but more importantly, 10 years on, the viewers at home have given it an overall 91% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Matt Damon steals the show as the leading role, playing Mark Watney, alongside Hollywood icon Jessica Chastain and British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. Set amongst the backdrop of Mars, the actors joined forces filming on the set of one of the largest sound stages in the world.
One viewer said: “You can’t get your eyes off this gripping survival story with stunning VFX. The Martian blends science, heart and a bit of humour. Matt Damon delivers a top-tier performance, making the high-stakes drama both thrilling and entertaining. With sharp storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, Ridley Scott crafts an inspiring film about resilience and teamwork.
The Martian follows Watney, an astronaut living out many people’s worst fear, when during a mission to Mars he is presumed dead and left behind by the rest of his crew. He has survived the storm that they believed to have killed him, and he’s left stranded to survive on the hostile planet alone.
A reviewer said: “This film is a masterpiece. My all time favorite comfort watch. I pick up new details every time I rewatch it.” While another added: “This movie was great from start to finish. A true hoorah movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
The Martian was adapted from the earlier 2011 novel by Andy Weir by Drew Goddard, who is best known for his work on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Plenty of viewers have read the book and belive that the award-winning film lived up to its expectations.
A viewer wrote: “With sharp storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, Ridley Scott crafts an inspiring film about resilience and teamwork.”
Another person added: “Definitely, the best movie I’ve ever seen. This movie gave me the energy to live tomorrow and to start something new. Right after finishing this movie, I couldn’t stop imagining math and physics. Absolutely, 10 out of 10.”
Featuring an A-list ensemble cast, The Martian also sees Sean Bean take the screen, with Kristen Wiig, Sebastian Stan and Donald Glover. However, it was Matt Damon’s “top tier” perfomance that landed him an oscar nomination and a Golden Globes win.
A decade later and the movie is still considered to be a ‘must-watch’ by film fans which could eb thanks to its scientific accuracy. The real-life NASA employees teamed up with the filmakers to help with depicting the science and technology ibehind The Martian. as they belived it was a greast way to promte space exploration.
You can catch all two hours and 22 minutes of the “masterpiece” that is The Martian, for free on BBC iPlayer.