#afbreviews

I mean where to even begin?

So, honestly, I didn't read the book before this movie came out, so I can't speak to how good of an adaptation this is. but! what I can say, is that the plot was very well thought out. it was heartfelt, it was intriguing, and it made you invested in the character's journeys. It took what could have been a very linear plot line and made it interesting to the viewer. We are seeing the story of Dr. Ryland Grace from two distinct starting points, the very beginning and about halfway through his character arc. We are essentially learning about him as he remembers the facts himself. Not a crazy, brand new idea in film, but a good fit none the less for this story. [I also really appreciate how there is no out right violence, or "main character love interest" plot lines. no one is shooting a gun. there is no romance subplot. just some dudes trying to save the stars.]

Now the characters. OMG lovable from the get go. As soon as Ryland Grace is introduced, in both the spaceship and the classroom, you are drawn to him. He is relatable!!! He captures the essence all normal people feel of like, bumbling around through life, without taking away from how smart he is. He can be nervous, and worried about his place at times, and feel lonely. But that never takes away from his intelligence, and that isn't always the case in movies like this. I am really glad that they found the middle ground between the bumbling but lovable idiot and the hyper competent "can't interact with people" scientist. ok and Rocky!!! oh sweet sweet rocky. the first thought that came to mind was that ancient Tumblr post that's like "humans will pack bond with anything" [talking abt a Roomba] like, that is Rocky. instantly a crowd fav, but also not just the "sweet dumb alien" or the like "found dog" trope. Rocky is also smart! and Grace knows it! YOU CAN HAVE A WHOLE CAST OF SMART CHARACTERS IN A STORY!!! That is kind of my main takeaway from ALL the characters in PHM [which I won't go into even more depth about I guess] everyone is smart! the top scientists all over the UNIVERSE! what happens when characters can actually think, and don't have to be dumb for the plot to function! how refreshing!

alright. time for me to get realllllll film bro on ya.

THE. CINE. MATO. GRAPHY.

amaze amaze amaze. it was literally??? so?? gorgeous??? like duh, shot for imax, hella nice cameras/lights/sets. but like, compositionally it was stunning. I mean it comes as no surprise that it was so gorg. it was shot by cinematographer Greig Fraser who makes some crazyyyy good stuff. I knew before I even watched the movie that this was gonna be top tier. like, all of the shots of the spaceships? the infrared spacewalk?? even just the shots within the ships like cmonnnnn. Fraser sets the bar high with his previous movies [Dune 1/2, the Batman, Rogue One, etc] but this might honestly be some of his best work.

But something that takes the visuals to the next level is the music being played during these big moments. holy crap. sound you did amazing. this soundtrack is immediately being added into my rotation called "soundtrack to cry to" which is like, the best possible outcome. holy crap. I like don't even have words to describe it. [which is bad. this is literally supposed to be me using my words to explain how good this movie was]

okokok almost done, promise.

this movie is going to quickly become a personal classic. this movie reminds me of what a genuinely fantastic movie is supposed to be. how its supposed to make you feel. the joy you are supposed to have when talking about it and recommending it to your friends. THIS IS WHAT FILMMAKING IS ALL ABOUT!!! and honestly, that could make me cry.