In 2015, Matt Damon starred in one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century.
Director Ridley Scott helmed an adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel The Martian. The plot centers on a botanist named Dr. Mark Wanley (Damon) who is presumed dead on Mars during a space mission and gets accidentally left behind. When it’s discovered he’s still alive, NASA must find a way to bring him home.
The film was only nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, so don’t feel too bad if you still haven’t seen it.
Watch With Us breaks down why The Martian has to be your next Netflix watch.
It’s a Great Example of Hard Sci-Fi
![The Martian | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ej3ioOneTy8/hqdefault.jpg)
Despite the fact that The Martian is a fantastical narrative, it deftly weaves real science into its narrative — hence the term, “hard sci-fi.” A lot of the scientific accuracy of the film has to do with the painstaking efforts done by the author of the original source material, Andy Weir, who strove to depict the real science behind his fiction. So, Scott followed suit, although with the limitations inherent to story needs in mind.
For the film, Scott consulted the former Director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, James L. Green, to keep things as accurate as possible, too. For example, when Watney needs to produce water for himself, the process he uses is not only real, it’s currently being used by NASA. Additionally, a radioisotope thermoelectric generator is used correctly for heat. Some experts felt the film was a great interpretation of a near-future scenario.
Matt Damon Gives One of His Best Performances
Damon has a true knack for playing everymen, like in Good Will Hunting, The Departed and Oppenheimer. And he’s still great at it when he’s playing one who’s been stranded on Mars. Critics agreed that Damon’s performance was engaging and poignant, with some feeling that, at the time, it was the best thing that he’d done in years.
For the role, Damon expertly pivoted between humorous and dramatic moments, giving the film the emotional weight and buoyancy that it needed. This skill did not go unnoticed by the powers that be — not only did Damon receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, he received the same nomination at the BAFTAs, the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, just to name a few.
The Message Is Optimistic and Inspiring
The Martian is a film about humanity and the strength of human resilience, as well as the beauty of science and the ability of people to band together to achieve the seemingly unthinkable. If that doesn’t get your tear ducts working, I don’t know what will. It’s also an especially touching idea ten years later, as humanity finds itself at odds with both science and the natural world.
But it’s important to remember that overwhelming odds are never impossible, and that science arms us with the knowledge to make the world a better place. The world can sometimes feel scary and formidable, but The Martian serves as a sage reminder that we humans possess the power of intelligence, creativity and endurance, but even more than that, we possess the power of caring. As depicted in The Martian, optimism is not a weakness — it’s a tool. That’s a profound thesis to dwell on.
It’s Surprisingly Funny
In 2016, controversy stirred when The Martian was nominated for Best Picture — Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. But it needs to be emphasized that aside from all the “power of human resilience” stuff, The Martian is actually a really funny movie. This is in no small part due to Damon, whose performance finds him throwing everything at the kitchen sink (in frequently humorous ways) to ensure his continued survival on a hostile planet.
Netflix has some legitimately great sci-fi movies on tap in September. There’s not a lot of them, but science fiction fans have to take our victories where we can find them. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and […]
The Martian really is about making the best out of a bad situation. Mark Watney has to stay alive for four years, and the humor is found in how he’s going to deal with that, which he does. Damon is particularly adept at conveying dry humor (perhaps best evidenced in his brief cameo in Thor: Love and Thunder), but credit should be given to screenwriter Drew Goddard, who’s showcased comedy writing chops in The Cabin in the Woods and Bad Times at the El Royale.
Watch The Martian now on Netflix.
