Ad Astra

Major Roy McBride is stationed at the International Space Antenna, where he conducts vital operations. One day, a violent power surge shakes the station, prompting Roy to make a daring freefall jump before deploying his parachute to safety.

After the incident at the antenna, Roy learns about the Lima Project, a deep-space mission that went silent 16 years ago upon reaching Neptune. This project, led by his estranged father, is believed to be the source of the destructive surges threatening the Solar System.

Roy is compelled to accept a mission to investigate the origin of the lethal surges. He teams up with Colonel Pruitt, a former associate of his father's, to uncover the truth about the Lima Project.

Roy and Pruitt embark on a challenging journey to Mars, showcasing Roy's extraordinary mental resilience. Throughout the mission, he maintains a steady heart rate, remaining emotionally detached even after his wife leaves him.

After a turbulent commercial flight, they arrive at the SpaceCom base on the Moon. They quickly find themselves in danger, as scavengers ambush them, resulting in the loss of their military escort.

Upon arrival at the base, Pruitt succumbs to injuries from the ambush and warns Roy about the impending decision by SpaceCom to destroy the Lima Project station if contact fails.

Boarding the spacecraft Cepheus to Mars, Roy encounters a distress signal from a derelict Norwegian biomedical space station. Despite his concerns, they investigate, leading to a terrifying confrontation with escaped baboon test subjects.

As the Cepheus approaches Mars, another surge forces Roy to take command of the landing. His calm leadership shines through as he successfully navigates the ship despite the interim captain's panic.

After landing at the underground SpaceCom base, Roy meets Helen Lantos, the facility director. She provides critical insights into the Lima Project and shares shocking footage of a mutiny that occurred aboard its mission.

Determined to confront his father, Roy secretly boards a rocket directed at the Lima Project station with Helen's assistance. His journey is fraught with the weight of his familial relationships and the isolation he feels.

Upon reaching the Lima Project station near Neptune, Roy finds it in a state of decay. The station's eerie silence reflects the abandonment of the mission that was once filled with hope of discovering intelligent life.

Roy finally confronts his father, Clifford, who reveals painful truths about their fractured relationship. Clifford admits he neither loves his wife nor son, deepening the emotional gulf between them.

In a desperate attempt to survive, Roy detaches from Clifford and uses debris to shield himself from the catastrophic forces of Neptune’s rings. He relies on a nuclear explosion to propel himself back to Earth.

Roy succeeds in returning to Earth, grappling with the harsh truths revealed by his father about life in the universe. His journey profoundly impacts him, prompting a renewed connection with his own life.

With a newfound perspective, Roy finds the strength to reconnect with his estranged wife, Eve. The emotional culmination of his journey leads them to a revitalized relationship, embodying hope for the future.