Ad Astra

Ad Astra

Year: 2019

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: James Gray

AdventureSci-FiDramaMysteryThriller

Driven by a desperate search for his father, a renowned astronaut embarks on a dangerous mission to the outer reaches of the solar system, traveling to Neptune. Thirty years prior, his father’s starship vanished while on a pioneering mission. As the astronaut pushes further into the unknown, he discovers a mysterious power surge that jeopardizes the stability of the universe and forces him to confront long-buried family secrets and his own inner turmoil.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Ad Astra (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ad Astra (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

100 years in the future

Set in a future where humanity faces existential threats from mysterious power surges, this period reflects advanced space exploration and the risks that come with it. The timeline is marked by the long-term effects of space missions, such as the Lima Project, which was launched 26 years prior and has since fallen silent, creating a void of knowledge and urgency.

Location

International Space Antenna, Moon, Mars, Lima Project station, Neptune

The International Space Antenna is a high-tech communication tower situated above Earth, crucial for monitoring signals from the Solar System. Other key locations include the inhospitable Moon, where mining operations take place amid conflicts, and Mars, the destination for pivotal encounters. The abandoned Lima Project station near Neptune serves as a haunting reminder of lost endeavors in the quest for intelligent life.

🛰️ Space 🌑 Moon 🔴 Mars

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Main Characters – Ad Astra (2019)

Meet the key characters of Ad Astra (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Major Roy McBride (Brad Pitt)

Major Roy McBride is a composed and resilient astronaut, showcasing exceptional mental fortitude during high-pressure situations. He grapples with emotional isolation and introspection throughout his journey, particularly in light of his failed marriage and complex paternal relationship. His determination drives him to uncover the truths behind the Lima Project and strive for reconnection with his loved ones.

👨‍🚀 Astronaut 🔍 Investigator 💪 Resilient

H. Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones)

H. Clifford McBride is a once-esteemed astronaut whose silence and emotional disconnect from his family encapsulates the theme of estrangement. He embodies the risks and sacrifices associated with deep-space exploration, revealing complex feelings towards his mission and family. His interactions with Roy expose deep-rooted issues of love and alienation.

🪐 Pioneer 😌 Detached 💔 Estranged

Eve (Liv Tyler)

Eve is Roy's estranged wife who represents a significant emotional connection in his life. Her departure from their marriage amplifies Roy's sense of loneliness and serves as a pivotal motivation for his emotional journey. Although physically apart, her presence lingers as a reminder of the love and healing that Roy ultimately seeks.

❤️ Partner 🌺 Supportive 🕊️ Longing

Colonel Pruitt (Donald Sutherland)

Colonel Pruitt serves as a trusted ally to Roy during his mission, providing vital insights and support. His seasoned perspective is crucial in navigating the dangers of space travel. Despite facing a tragic fate, Pruitt’s character embodies loyalty and the weight of the sacrifices made for the greater good.

💼 Military 🤝 Supportive 🌠 Wise

Helen Lantos (Ruth Negga)

Helen Lantos is the facility director at the Mars SpaceCom base, playing a key role in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the Lima Project. Her intelligence and resourcefulness offer Roy critical information needed for his quest. Helen's character underscores the collaboration and support necessary in the face of adversity.

📊 Director 🧠 Intelligent 🌟 Resourceful

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Major Themes – Ad Astra (2019)

Explore the central themes of Ad Astra (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌌 Isolation

Isolation is a central theme as Major Roy McBride navigates his mission alone, reflecting on his strained relationships with his father and wife. This emotional distance mirrors the vast emptiness of space he explores. His journey underscores the psychological toll of being separated from loved ones while facing life-or-death challenges.

💔 Family Dynamics

The tumultuous relationship between Roy and his estranged father, H. Clifford McBride, is a focal point of the narrative. Their troubled bond and the lack of affection portrayed by Clifford highlight the complexities of familial love. Roy's quest is not only to save the Solar System but also to seek closure and understanding in his family ties.

🚀 Exploration

The theme of exploration is woven throughout the film, showcasing humanity's desire to seek out the unknown in both space and personal relationships. As Roy journeys through the Solar System, he faces external dangers that parallel his internal struggles, illustrating the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Unlock the Full Story of Ad Astra

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ad Astra in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ad Astra is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ad Astra Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ad Astra, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ad Astra Summary

Ad Astra Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ad Astra with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ad Astra Timeline

Ad Astra Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Ad Astra? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Ad Astra Ending Explained

More About Ad Astra

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ad Astra: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ad Astra

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