If you're still chasing the cosmic high of Christopher Nolan's Interstellar, there's a lesser-known gem that deserves a spot on your watchlist: James Gray's Ad Astra. This 2019 sci-fi film starring Brad Pitt earned an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score but flew under the radar for many. Now, it's gaining a cult following as the perfect moody companion to Nolan's space epic.
Directed by James Gray—one of America's most respected filmmakers, though not a household name—Ad Astra was a rare big-budget studio gamble. Gray, known for indie dramas like The Yards and the semi-autobiographical Armageddon Time, got the green light for a $90 million space odyssey. But the film's release in September 2019, a notorious dumping ground for studios, didn't help its box office. Worse, Gray has openly expressed frustration with the final cut, blaming the Disney-20th Century Studios merger for corporate meddling that compromised his vision.
One of Gray's biggest complaints? The voice-over narration by Pitt's character, Roy McBride. Some viewers find it intrusive, reminiscent of the sleepy narration in the original Blade Runner. But for others, Pitt's low-key delivery deepens the film's sense of isolation and dread. It's a character in itself, not a crutch—adding layers to a story that's already rich with visual storytelling.
Visually, Ad Astra is a triumph. The production design feels lived-in and tactile, from the grain on spaceship walls to the worn uniforms. It's like watching a NASA documentary, but with higher stakes. The shots of McBride gazing at Earth from his ship are breathtaking, reminding us what's at risk. This is a darker, more introspective take on space travel than Interstellar, leaning into the loneliness and existential weight of the cosmos.
At its heart, Ad Astra is a father-son drama. McBride's mission to investigate a threat to the universe leads him to uncover the truth about his father (Tommy Lee Jones), who vanished on a previous expedition. Pitt delivers a haunting performance—the same year he won an Oscar for Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood—as an astronaut haunted by family trauma. The vast emptiness of space mirrors his internal void, making every scene feel like a meditation on fate and mortality.
But don't mistake it for a slow burn without thrills. Gray packs in pulse-pounding set pieces, including a moon chase that plays like The French Connection in zero gravity. It's a perfect hybrid of spectacle and introspection, honoring classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Solaris while carving its own identity. For fans of Interstellar who want something more melancholic, Ad Astra is a must-watch.
If you're looking for more underrated sci-fi, check out our list of 3 Underseen Prime Video Gems for Your May 22-24 Weekend. And for another take on space drama, see how Netflix's 'The Boroughs' is being compared to Stranger Things.
