Directed by James Gray and co-written with Ethan Gross, Ad Astra brings together Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, and Ruth Negga in a contemplative science fiction drama. Released in theaters in France on September 18, 2019, the film will be available to stream on HBO Max starting December 29, 2025.
Roy McBride, an astronaut known for his composure, is tasked with finding his father, Clifford McBride, who disappeared years earlier during a mission to Neptune. The latter is now suspected of being linked to disturbing energy phenomena that threaten the stability of Earth. Roy's journey, from lunar bases to the outer reaches of the solar system, becomes as much a space investigation as it is a confrontation with a father figure who has become almost legendary.
As he progresses deeper into space, Roy confronts isolation, his own traumas, and the secrets surrounding Project Lima. The mission gradually takes the form of an introspective journey, where scientific discoveries and cosmic issues intertwine with reflections on loneliness, transmission, and our place in the universe.
The Ad Astra project was born out of James Gray's interest in questions related to exploration and the limits of scientific experimentation, with references to Joseph Conrad and Apocalypse Now as a backdrop. The film marks his first foray into science fiction, with the aim of offering a realistic vision of space travel in a hostile environment. The title, meaning "to the stars" in Latin, encapsulates the idea of a difficult journey into the unknown. The film was shot primarily on location to depict the Moon, Mars, and certain sequences related to the journey to Neptune, complemented by extensive lighting and visual effects work. The team collaborated with consultants from NASA and the aeronautics industry to ensure the film's credibility in terms of space procedures and environments.
The film is aimed at viewers who enjoy realistic and introspective science fiction stories, similar to works such as Interstellar, Gravity, and Arrival. The emphasis is on space exploration as an extension of existential questioning, rather than a continuous sequence of action scenes. The direction favors silences, long shots, and the inner dimension of the main character, in a style closer to drama than spectacular space opera.
Our opinion on Ad Astra:
Ad Astra is a beautiful and complex feature film—reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey—in its structure and narrative, showcasing a masterful Brad Pitt in the role of an astronaut searching for his father despite himself. The cinematography by Hoyte Van Hoytema is also breathtaking, whether it's his slightly futuristic vision of Earth, the coldness of the lunar landscapes, or the blue rings of Neptune, which are as intriguing as they are mesmerizing.
On the downside, despite its ambitious screenplay, the film suffers from a few longueurs... but this only serves to enhance our appreciation of the cinematography. We also particularly appreciate Brad Pitt's character, who displays a rare depth, reminiscent of The Tree of Life (by Terrence Malick). In short, this is a true masterpiece to be savored without moderation.
Ad Astra
Film | 2019
On HBO Max December 29, 2025
Drama/Science fiction | Running time: 2 hours 4 minutes
By James Gray | Starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga
Nationality: United States
With its release on HBO Max, Ad Astra returns as a science fiction offering that is both cosmic and intimate, carried by Brad Pitt and a direction that emphasizes the emotional dimension of the journey.
To learn more, check out HBO Max's new releases for December, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and our selection of What to Watch Today on Streaming.
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