weemp weemp

the bar scene was insane to me in terms of framing. We see Grace, alone in the corner, looking at all the other people having fun together. He locks eyes with some of the astronauts, and all three of them look awkward. Stratt looks at him, but never moves towards him, never makes contact. He is always alone. He is lonely.

Rocky makes his world light up. He has energy, he uses his teacher voice, he bounces a ball off of the xenonite walls while chatting with Rocky. He climbs a tree, he surfs, he makes puppet shows “reluctantly”. Rocky means that Grace is loved. Grace feels loved. People have already pointed out that Rocky and Stratt both play the Trolley Problem with Grace, Stratt choosing the rational option, and Rocky choosing the emotional one. Here’s my imput:

Grace plays the Trolley Problem with himself. On earth he hasn’t got it in him to sacrifice himself for the entire planet, he has nothing to die for, no motivation. He chooses to sacrifice the earth, even if that choice was overturned.

Grace chooses to sacrifice himself for Rocky. He pulls the lever and puts his life on the line, for the one person he knows will do the same, the person who has already done the same. Rocky is the person he will die for, because with Rocky, he actually lived.

Then, miraculously, Grace appears. Like a Hail Mary for Rocky. Here is a friend. They learn to understand each other, their languages and the shape of each other and how they tick, together. Someone who he can watch sleep and then wake up. Someone to protect him as Rocky sleeps. Someone to learn things from, to tease and laugh and just be with. Someone who saved him from death and isolation and replaced it with life and joy. Someone who is helping him save Erid.

Rocky could never have chose the rational option, because at this point Grace, who saved him physically and emotionally, is all he has out in space. Grace is his world. He would do anything, for Grace.

But he also,

Throws fits when things don't go his way. Not a "I'm a bad bitch" destroying everything-type fit, but tossing a trash can, breaking a screen-type fit.

Cries. A lot.

Pleads. He begs.

Doesn't answer the call to action.

Shows weakness. Being a coward and being fearful are two things he defines himself with.

Doesn't end up with the girl. In fact, that girl isn't even interested and he isn't, either.

Cherishes friendship over a romantic plot or something stereotypically brave like, "I'm going to save Rocky so I can save his world." No, he wants to save his friend, first and foremost.

Squeaks. He squeals. He screams, loudly and very high pitched. He whines. He complains. He physically struggles to open a jar. He's clumsy as hell. He makes some of the least graceful noises one can make.

Is not afraid to be the primitive species lowkey.