Ridley Scott's seven-time Oscar-nominated sci-fi blockbuster The Martian will air on Film4 this evening, October 21, at 6.15pm. The 2015 film, starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, and Kristen Wiig, holds a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score.
A Masterpiece of Survival and Science
Directed by Ridley Scott and adapted from Andy Weir's 2011 novel, The Martian follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is left behind on Mars after a fierce storm and must use his wits to survive with limited supplies. Meanwhile, NASA and an international team of scientists work to bring him home, while his crewmates plan a daring rescue.
The film's screenplay was written by Drew Goddard. The cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, and Mackenzie Davis.
Box Office and Critical Acclaim
The Martian grossed $653.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $108 million, making it the 10th highest-grossing film of 2015. It remains Scott's biggest commercial success, surpassing Gladiator and its sequel, Hannibal, Alien, and Blade Runner.
The film received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Damon, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It was shot over 70 days on 20 sets in Budapest, Hungary.
Audience and Critic Reactions
Critics have praised the film, with one review stating: "The Martian is exactly the reason why we watch movies. It's fun, exciting, and a thrilling spectacle with deep emotional payoffs and strong performances from its all-star cast." Another critic called it "a crowd pleaser for all ages that is fun but tense, meaty yet light, and about as inspiring as it gets."
Audience members have also shared enthusiastic reviews. One viewer wrote: "This movie is a job well-done. Incredible execution. Matt Damon's performance alone makes this movie a masterpiece in the sci-fi genre." Another compared it to Gravity, saying: "Personally I found this film to be MUCH more interesting than Gravity."
The Martian airs on Film4 tonight at 6.15pm.
