If you want to see a truly extraordinary and impressive sci-fi film, you have the opportunity to do so on TV today. Bold film experiments are not always granted the success they deserve, and that’s the case with Ad Astra – To the Stars starring Brad Pitt. This melancholic, peculiar science fiction film focuses on hypnotic images and emotions rather than bombastic action. In its best moments, it is reminiscent of Apocalypse Now or 2001: A Space Odyssey, so you shouldn’t miss the TV broadcast today. If you prefer to watch the opening game of the Euro Cup, you can still stream the film later on.
In Ad Astra – To the Stars, twenty years ago, Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) embarked on a secret mission to the stars to investigate clues of extraterrestrial life. However, he disappeared without a trace, so his son Roy (Brad Pitt) sets out to find him – or at least find out what happened all those years ago. There is a little bit of action in Ad Astra – To the Stars, after all. He embarks on an odyssey through the dark, empty expanses of space, starting on a colonized moon. Yes, you read that right: In the near future of Ad Astra, humanity has already begun to colonize the solar system. But on the edge of it all, an enormous mystery still awaits our lonely astronaut.
Ad Astra does a lot differently than most sci-fi films and still manages to impress. If you’re expecting wild spaceship battles and breathless action, you’re in the wrong place. Instead, we get a melancholic journey through the darkness that addresses the biggest questions of humanity. The fantastic and impressive visuals are complemented by an almost psychedelic soundtrack that is truly unique.
Despite its qualities, Ad Astra was not the success it was hoped to be. While it grossed $135 million at the box office, according to The Numbers, with a production budget of $80 to $100 million, this was not enough to make the film truly profitable, especially considering marketing costs.
As an alternative to the Germany vs. Scotland game, ProSieben will be airing Ad Astra – To the Stars today, June 14th at 8:15 PM. The film will run until 10:40 PM with commercial breaks. There are no immediate plans for a repeat broadcast. If you don’t want to miss either the Euro Cup opening or this exceptional sci-fi film, you can also watch it online. It is available on streaming platforms like Disney+, Magenta TV, Amazon, Apple TV, and others.
So, make sure to tune in to experience this unique and thought-provoking sci-fi film that deserves more attention.