Intriguing Twist: Unraveling the Enigmatic Ending of Ad Astra

Brad Pitt takes audiences on a captivating journey into space in the 2019 sci-fi film Ad Astra. His mission? To locate his father and prevent him from pursuing his quest to find extraterrestrial beings. Ad Astra stood out at the box office, as Pitt also graced the screens in other highly acclaimed movies that same year, such as the captivating drama Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and the gripping historical drama The King. In 2020, Pitt showcased his versatile acting skills in the romantic comedy The Lost City, alongside the talented cast of Sandra Bullock, Daniel Radcliffe, and Channing Tatum. Despite not starring in numerous sci-fi films, Ad Astra unequivocally demonstrates that Brad Pitt excels in any movie genre.

With its emotionally charged storyline delving into the complexities of father-son relationships and raising intriguing questions about the existence of extraterrestrial life, Ad Astra undoubtedly merits viewership. Furthermore, the film concludes with a poignant and memorable ending, providing a sense of fulfillment to the protagonist's profound odyssey.

What Is Ad Astra About?

In the science fiction film "Ad Astra," Brad Pitt portrays Major Roy McBride, a dedicated member of the U.S. Space Command who embarks on a journey to Mars. His primary motivation for this mission is his strong desire to reunite with his father, H. Clifford McBride, played by Tommy Lee Jones. Dorothy exists a situation where Major Roy McBride, on behalf of the Lima Project, had already traveled to Mars 29 years prior. At that time, Clifford held the belief that there was extraterrestrial life on the planet, leading everyone to assume he had perished.

The premise of Ad Astra works for two main reasons. Firstly, Roy's motivation to stop the threat of alien life, which poses a danger to Earth. Secondly, his desire to reunite with his father adds an important emotional aspect to the movie. This section of Ad Astra effectively showcases Brad Pitt's versatility as an actor, as he demonstrates the ability to portray both humorous and sensitive characters at a pivotal point in their lives.

Ad Astra further demonstrates Brad Pitt's prowess as a leading actor, evident in his roles in action-packed movies such as Bullet Train. As Roy delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lima Project and the tragic deaths of its astronauts, he becomes increasingly horrified. Most significantly, his father Clifford's relentless pursuit to discover extraterrestrial life has created a sense of fear and uncertainty on Earth. It becomes clear to Roy that he must take action to put an end to his father's dangerous mission.

Is Brad Pitt In Other Sci-Fi Movies?

Amidst the plethora of forgotten sci-fi films from the 2010s, Ad Astra stands out as a gem, notably owing to the relationship between Roy and Clifford. The dynamic between a father and son unfolding against the backdrop of the captivating expanse of space adds an intriguing dimension. This movie holds its own amongst the best of Brad Pitt's films because Roy's journey is profoundly compelling. It only seems natural that he would seek to unravel the enigma surrounding his father and endeavor to reconnect with him. Without this heartfelt layer to the plot, the film could easily lose its allure and appear mundane.

Brad Pitt's filmography is not particularly dense with sci-fi movies, but one that stands out is the critically acclaimed 1995 film, titled 12 Monkeys, where he shared the screen with talented actors such as Christopher Plummer, Bruce Willis, and Madeline Stowe. In the movie, Brad Pitt portrayed Jeffrey Goines, a patient at a hospital who passionately shares his views on the environment during a disastrous viral outbreak. Known for its captivating time travel narrative and impressive performances, 12 Monkeys remains a noteworthy entry in Pitt's career.

What Happens At The End Of Ad Astra?

Generally speaking, Brad Pitt's finest performances on screen do not belong to the sci-fi genre. Instead, they are found in gripping dramas like Moneyball, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, and the thrilling action film Oceans Eleven. However, it is worth mentioning that Ad Astra should not be overlooked, thanks to Brad Pitt's exceptional portrayal of Roy. With his undeniable charm and likability, Pitt truly captivates viewers in this film.

In the Ad Astra ending, the entire story culminates in a powerful and heartfelt confrontation between Clifford and Roy. Clifford reveals that Mars is where he truly belongs and expresses his indifference towards returning to Earth. Furthermore, he confesses that his passion for exploring space surpasses any attachment he may have towards Roy and their family. This revelation is devastating to Roy. Unlike other science fiction films of the 2010s that may come across as cheesy, Ad Astra contains enough genuinely poignant moments to evoke a sense of realism and authenticity.

The Lima Project's intense danger is revealed to Roy by Clifford, who explains that the mutiny resulted in damage to the antimatter power source. This damage has been causing dangerous surges. Realizing the urgency, Roy insists they return to Earth and Clifford agrees. However, Roy is deceived by Clifford, who cunningly persuades him to go back into space.

Although not defined by a memorable catchphrase, Ad Astra culminates in a satisfying conclusion. Roy faces a daunting challenge as he lacks the necessary fuel to complete the journey back to Earth. This particular segment of the movie amplifies the terrifying nature of Ad Astra's ending. Roy discovers that the explosion of the space station has generated a shockwave, enabling him to harness its energy and propel the Cepheus spaceship.

Ad Astra concludes on a satisfying note as Roy successfully reunites with Eve and returns home. This longed-for outcome fulfills the audience's desires. Moreover, the ending elucidates that although intelligent extraterrestrial life does not exist, the discovery of significant space-related knowledge owes much to the instrumental role played by the Lima Project.