Science fiction is trending on streaming platforms. Since Apple TV+ raised the stakes by becoming the home of sci-fi thanks to magnificent works like Foundation, Separation, Constellation, Silo or Invasion, they have all stepped up by bringing great film and series premieres to their catalogs.
Netflix is the one that has understood this battle within the streaming war the best. The Three-Body Problem, their latest big release, is their most ambitious work of 2024, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg of over a dozen releases rooted in this genre. And the latest one to arrive is a movie that was released nine years ago but made history in science fiction, so much so that it is still currently cited as one of the best movies of the genre in the 21st century. We’re talking about The Martian.
Why is The Martian one of the best science fiction movies of the 21st century?
Since its release in 2015, The Martian has been acclaimed as one of the most notable sci-fi movies, thanks to its combination of intelligent storytelling, impressive performances, and a very entertaining tone, something uncommon in the genre. Directed by Ridley Scott and based on the successful novel by Andy Weir, the movie captivated both critics and audiences with its story of survival on the red planet. Now, Netflix subscribers have the opportunity to rediscover it thanks to its inclusion in the catalog of the big red N.
The premise of The Martian is as simple as it is striking: during a mission on Mars, astronaut Mark Watney, portrayed by a Matt Damon in a state of grace, is presumed dead and abandoned by his crew after a sandstorm. However, against all odds, Mark survives and finds himself alone on a hostile planet with limited supplies and little chance of being rescued. What follows is a story of ingenuity, determination, and resilience as Watney fights to survive and find a way to communicate with Earth to be rescued.
What makes The Martian so captivating is its focus on science and technology. Just like with The Three-Body Problem, instead of relying solely on action and special effects, the movie delves into the scientific details of survival on Mars, from food production to the creation of an improvised communication system. This attention to scientific realism not only adds depth to the plot, but also offers a fascinating glimpse into what life on other planets could be like.
But, in addition to its scientific aspect, The Martian also shines for its intelligent humor and optimistic tone. Although the protagonist faces discouraging challenges, he remains witty and optimistic throughout the film, which leads to moments of comedy that lighten the tension and make the story even more convincing. The combination of drama and humor creates a perfect balance that keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end.
Of course, to achieve this, a great director is needed, and in The Martian we have the best in the genre: Ridley Scott. The director behind Alien manages to create an immersive atmosphere that plunges viewers into the vastness and solitude of the red planet, while maintaining a fast pace that keeps the tension and interest at all times. Undoubtedly, his ability to balance moments of intimacy with action sequences makes the film a captivating cinematic experience from beginning to end.
But none of this would be possible without its great cast of actors. Damon delivers a captivating performance as a man trapped in an alien world, convincingly portraying both the vulnerability and determination of his character. And in addition to Damon, the cast includes talented actors such as Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, and Jeff Daniels, who bring depth and humanity to their respective roles.
Another aspect that deserves recognition in The Martian is its brilliant soundtrack, composed by renowned musician and composer Harry Gregson-Williams. Gregson-Williams’ music perfectly complements the film’s narrative, adding an additional layer of emotion and depth to each scene. From suspenseful moments to triumphant moments, the soundtrack helps elevate the film to new emotional heights and highlights the beauty and grandeur of space.
Ultimately, what makes The Martian a truly memorable film is its message of hope and resilience. Through Mark Watney’s struggle to survive in adverse conditions, the film reminds us of the power of human ingenuity and the ability to overcome even the most difficult challenges. At a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, The Martian offers a valuable lesson about the importance of maintaining hope and persevering in the face of adversity.
Note: The Martian is not currently on Netflix USA, but yes, it is in other countries like Spain, where you can watch in English using a VPN like NordVPN
