Summary
Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a tiny ship with no idea who he is, why he’s there, or why two very dead crewmates are floating nearby. His memories come back in slow, frustrating pieces, and none of them explain why he’s drifting through deep space with no backup plan. As he starts putting the clues together, he realizes he’s been sent on a mission that’s far bigger than he ever imagined. Earth is in serious trouble, and he might be the only person who can figure out how to save it. The problem is that he’s light‑years from home, running out of time, and trying to solve a scientific puzzle that feels almost impossible. Just when it seems like he’s truly on his own, something unexpected changes everything and gives him a reason to hope he might not be as alone as he thought.
Thoughts
I went to watch this in the cinema yesterday right after finishing the book, and I was nervous to say the least. Not just because I am terrified of space, the ocean and spiders (which are the main three elements of the story), but also because the book left such a high impression on me and I was worried that the movie wouldn’t live up. Having said this, the movie was definitely a different experience, but it wasn’t a bad one. The directing was amazingly done, often having camera movements that immersed me more into the space element. It felt continuous rather than a static watch. I also really loved the way they presented Rocky, and his language. The movie didn’t rely on subtitles to allow the watcher to understand the communication, and rather used the elements already made in the book to create a loveable, adorable character.
Also, the acting was phenomenal. They all did a really great job of combining comedy with the heartfelt reality of the situation they were in. I do wish we had more of the other astronauts on the mission, as in the book they were very present characters despite their early death. In the movie, all of the other astronauts are very much side characters with little screen time and not a lot of personality.
Recommendation
Even without reading the book, the movie creates an atmospheric, heartfelt journey that you will definitely love.
