The Martian is one of those rare films that manages to be both thrilling and downright hilarious at the same time. I went in expecting a tense, nerve-wracking survival story about an astronaut stranded on Mars. And while that’s exactly what it is, it’s also something much more—an ode to human resilience, problem-solving, and the sheer determination to survive against impossible odds.
Ridley Scott takes what could have been a grim, lonely tale and turns it into an exhilarating, often uplifting ride. At its core, the film isn’t just about survival—it’s about intellect, optimism, and the idea that science (and a little bit of humor) can get you through anything. Matt Damon’s portrayal of Mark Watney is the beating heart of the film. He’s not just a brilliant astronaut, he’s also incredibly likable, cracking jokes even when his situation looks hopeless. His ability to keep pushing forward, treating life-threatening problems like puzzles to be solved, makes the entire journey feel less like despair and more like an insane, high-stakes adventure.
Visually, The Martian is stunning. The way Mars is shot makes it feel vast and isolating but also eerily beautiful. You can almost feel the silence, the emptiness, and the weight of being the only human on an entire planet. And yet, the movie never lets you drown in that loneliness. The constant intercutting between Watney’s struggle and NASA’s desperate attempt to bring him home keeps the momentum going, making sure the audience never feels too stuck in one place for too long.
And then there’s the humor. It’s what truly sets this film apart from other survival stories. Even in the most dire situations, Watney’s sarcastic remarks and deadpan delivery make you laugh. The fact that he refers to himself as a “space pirate” and casually complains about his limited 70s disco music selection makes him feel so real. It’s this lightheartedness that keeps the film from feeling too heavy, making it oddly comforting despite the life-or-death stakes.
The soundtrack, featuring a ton of 70s hits, adds another layer of charm. Who knew disco could be the perfect backdrop for science-heavy survival storytelling? It’s such an unexpected but genius choice that gives the film an extra dose of personality.
If there’s one thing The Martian absolutely nails, it’s the sense of teamwork and global unity. The scenes back on Earth, where scientists, engineers, and astronauts from different backgrounds come together to save one man, feel genuinely inspiring. It’s a reminder of what humanity is capable of when we put aside differences and work toward a common goal.
Sure, there are moments where the science gets a little dense, but the film does a great job of making it digestible, even for those of us who aren’t NASA engineers. Some might argue that the stakes never feel quite as high as they should, given the constant humor and upbeat pacing, but honestly, that’s part of what makes The Martian stand out—it never wallows in its darkness. It’s about moving forward, adapting, and never giving up, even when things seem impossible.
At the end of it all, The Martian is a movie that celebrates human ingenuity, perseverance, and the idea that sometimes, you just have to “science the s***” out of a problem. It’s equal parts intense and hilarious, and it leaves you with a sense of hope—not just for the future of space exploration, but for what we as humans are capable of achieving.
