Ad Astra

Main Plot

"Ad Astra," directed by James Gray, follows astronaut Roy McBride as he embarks on a perilous mission to the outer edges of the solar system. His goal is to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious power surges that threaten Earth's survival. These surges are believed to be linked to the Lima Project, a decades-old mission led by Roy's father, Clifford McBride, who disappeared while searching for intelligent extraterrestrial life near Neptune. As Roy journeys through space, he confronts both physical and emotional challenges, grappling with his strained relationship with his father and the existential implications of their quest. The film explores themes of isolation, the human drive for discovery, and the complex bonds between parent and child. Through stunning visuals and a contemplative narrative, "Ad Astra" delves into the depths of space and the human psyche, ultimately questioning the cost of ambition and the search for meaning in the vastness of the cosmos.

Characters

• Brad Pitt plays Roy McBride, an astronaut tasked with traveling to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and uncover the truth behind mysterious power surges.
• Tommy Lee Jones plays H. Clifford McBride, an astronaut whose mission's mysterious failure prompts his son to embark on a journey to uncover the truth.
• Ruth Negga plays Helen Lantos, a Mars colony director who helps Roy McBride uncover crucial information about his father's mission.

Ending Explained

In the movie "Ad Astra," directed by James Gray, the ending sees astronaut Roy McBride (played by Brad Pitt) successfully reaching his father, Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), on a space station near Neptune. Clifford, who was presumed dead, reveals that he has been continuing his mission to find intelligent life but has become increasingly unstable. Roy learns that the power surges threatening Earth are caused by Clifford's malfunctioning spacecraft. Roy tries to convince his father to return to Earth, but Clifford is adamant about staying, believing his life's work is not yet complete. In a poignant moment, Clifford detaches himself from the tether connecting him to Roy, choosing to drift into space rather than return. Roy then sets the nuclear device to destroy the station, stopping the surges and saving Earth. The film concludes with Roy returning to Earth, having reconciled with his father's legacy and finding a renewed sense of purpose. He reconnects with his estranged wife, Eve (Liv Tyler), signifying his emotional and psychological healing. The ending underscores themes of isolation, the search for meaning, and the importance of human connections.