It’s been four years since we’ve had the honor of seeing an Alfonso Cuarón film on the big screen. His last film was the brilliant sci-fi feature Children of Men but now he returns as director and co-writer of the ambitious, thrilling and breathtaking film, Graviity.
Gravity stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski, respectively. Ryan is on her first shuttle mission and as they are working on fixing a satellite an unexpected event occurs and their shuttle is destroyed, leaving the two completely alone in the silent wilderness of space. The two realize they are cut off and must do whatever they can to reach another station before their oxygen runs out and they become another casualty of space.
First and foremost, see this movie as soon as possible. See it in 3D and, if you can afford it or have access to it, see it in IMAX 3D. This will be the one movie that’s worth every penny of those ridiculous ticket prices because the next time you see something like this again will be in at least three years from now with Avatar 2.
On a technical level, Gravity is one of the most impressive features you’ll ever see. The camera work, the angle of the shots, the effects, the way the actors glide across the screen, it’s nothing short of phenomenal and will likely sweep the tech categories at the Oscars this year. From the combination of straight forward animation, CG effects, wire work and the use of robotics and a light box to bring the idea of drifting into space alive, it’s no wonder why the film took forever to make and cost roughly $80,000,000.
Much like how Avatar showed us what a new world would look like and how 3D technology could be used to enhance a film, Gravity takes it to the next level, using it not only as an immersion experience tool but as a vital character to the storytelling process. In fact, 3D is the only way to see and truly appreciate the silent abyss known as space that Cuarón has created; it acts as a third character in the film and if it isn’t there the movie will feel like it’s missing something and you’ll be wondering what everyone is talking about.
While it’s almost too easy to focus on the beautiful visuals and technical achievements, the film does have a narrative and it is quite good and well-acted. Most of the film focuses on Ryan and her journey, one that starts with a scared and unconfident individual, making the rookie mistake of panicking who then evolves and realizes she must fight and venture into further darkness if she wants to survive. I can’t say I approve of all of Sandra Bullock’s dialogue, it seemed awkward, fake and/or uncomfortable at times, but for the most part everything seemed to work and be in sync, she and Clooney got along very well and it showed.
Additionally, Cuarón throws a lot of symbolism at us during the movie and some of it is shoved in our face, 
but one, it doesn’t matter because he’s elegant with his approach, and two, it actually fits. In particular you’ll notice a scene where Bullock floats in a fetal position with an umbilical cord signifying a sort of rebirth if you will.
There are a lot of fantastic moments in Gravity but my personal favorites have to do with the use of sound, or lack thereof, and the different camera perspectives used. With regards to the sound, we get to witness a satellite explode but rather than here that explosion, we hear nothing, exactly how it would be like in space since it’s a vacuum. This leaves a significant impact because you have no choice but to soak up the intensity on screen and watch Ryan and Matt scramble to save each other amongst the silent chaos, hearing only each others’ voices. As for the camera, there are multiple points where we are inside Ryan’s helmet, up close to Sandra’s face and then we get a first person view through her visor either as she is spinning into the darkness or attempting to grab on to a ship, both are attempts at trying to survive. This perspective left an impact on me because it showed how difficult it is to maneuver in space, how any wrong move or shift could end her life and how small an astronaut is in comparison to everything around them.
Gravity might be the most realistic space film ever made and, overall, one of the best space based films I’ve ever seen. In fact, even though it’s still a little early to declare, Gravity is easily one of the best films you’ll see this year and probably one of the best big budget films to come out this year as well. It’ll leave you with that same sense of wonder you had when you watched Avatar for the first time in 3D or when you saw Jurassic Park for the first time. To top it off, it’s an art house film disguised as a blockbuster, amazing visuals with a great story, and that’s why it’s going to thrive with both audiences and critics alike.
Rating: A breathtaking cinematic experience and one of the best space films you’ll ever see, if not the best (9.7/10)
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