--- title: "The Martian" year: 2015 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-martian" fi1m_score: 82 critics_score: 78 critics_reviews: 11 published: "2026-09-17T20:09:42.342578+00:00" updated: "2026-09-17T20:09:42.905774+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Martian (2015) Directed by Ridley Scott · 2h 21m · MPA PG-13 · Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure **Fi1m score: 82** · Critics 78 from 11 reviews *In a sentence:* Space disaster as a run of homework problems, and every sum comes out more gripping than the explosions > Ridley Scott’s survival adventure makes science and co-operation entertaining, with Matt Damon’s humour keeping the explanations lively. Watney’s loneliness is underplayed, but the practical problems hold our attention and the optimism earns our affection. ## Synopsis Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is an astronaut stranded on Mars, where staying alive means solving a succession of practical problems. He puts science to work on the business of survival, including growing potatoes in Martian soil. At NASA, the effort to bring him home depends on people pooling their knowledge and working through the technical difficulties. Watney must keep himself alive while others work out how to reach him. Ridley Scott directs this adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel, with Jessica Chastain as Melissa Lewis, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Vincent Kapoor and Jeff Daniels as Teddy Sanders. ## Review *The Martian* is an unusually cheerful survival film, and we recommend it for the pleasure of watching people think their way through trouble. Ridley Scott makes an astronaut stranded on Mars the centre of a story about useful knowledge and the willingness to share it. There is danger, but the film spends much of its time on the work required to stay alive. It gives us plenty to follow without requiring us to arrive with a scientific education. Matt Damon is crucial to that choice: his Watney is resourceful, funny and sufficiently good company to keep the practical explanations from becoming homework. Drew Goddard’s screenplay, adapted from Andy Weir’s novel, gives him humour that belongs to the job of carrying on when giving up would be understandable. Damon makes the thinking interesting without asking us to applaud every solution. Watney’s jokes let us enjoy his company through explanations that could easily have become a string of instructions. The business of growing potatoes in Martian soil is where the film’s priorities become clearest. Production designer Arthur Max makes the improvised farming feel like practical work, with an outcome worth worrying about, rather than a joke left over from a science lesson. We were more anxious about the potatoes than we expected to be. Once the film has made us understand that Watney’s survival depends on his own ingenuity, the prospect of getting something wrong is enough to hold our attention. Dariusz Wolski’s cinematography gives Mars the scale the predicament needs, making the effort to keep one person alive seem daunting. Scott lets us enjoy the landscape, but the size of it suggests a degree of fear that Watney rarely seems to feel. His good humour can become a way of avoiding the harder questions about being alone. The film allows us to appreciate how far from help he is without spending much time on what that might do to him. Pietro Scalia’s editing keeps the problem-solving legible as the story divides its attention between Watney and the people at NASA. We are given room to understand why a task is difficult before being asked to care about its solution. The collective effort is satisfying in its own right, though the supporting characters can feel defined chiefly by what they contribute to it. These passages broaden the story without displacing Damon, whose humour remains its most reliable pleasure. Harry Gregson-Williams’s score supports the optimism, although the retro-pop soundtrack is more distinctive and better suited to Watney’s irreverence. The music helps keep the film light without making its scientific interests seem apologetic. Within science fiction, this confidence in patient work is welcome: understanding the difficulty is a large part of the entertainment. Scott trusts the audience to enjoy the process, and Goddard gives the technical material enough humour to keep it conversational. At 141 minutes, the film has room to test our patience, yet the succession of tasks gives it a steady forward movement. We would have welcomed more uncertainty about Watney himself, but Scott’s confidence in the work remains persuasive. There is enough tension in the practical difficulties to make the lightness feel earned. Choose it when watching competent people do their jobs sounds like a welcome change. *Fi1m score 82, published 17 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics welcome The Martian as a funny, optimistic survival story that makes practical problem-solving entertaining. Praise centres on Matt Damon’s resourceful, sardonic astronaut: his performance keeps the technical challenges accessible and gives the film warmth without making its hero solemn. The reviews also credit Ridley Scott’s assured direction, the witty script and the emphasis on scientific ingenuity and teamwork, with several finding particular pleasure in a space adventure driven by people thinking their way through trouble. The disagreement concerns how much emotional weight that buoyancy allows. Radio Times finds too little psychological depth or sense of isolation, while Slant Magazine sees a safe, bland treatment of survival despite the scientific focus. The spread is largely favourable, but Little White Lies offers a sharper dissent: it enjoys the can-do spirit yet finds the fantasy short on meaning, questioning the substance that more enthusiastic critics find in its optimism. ### Reviews we read (21) - **Film Comment**, Michael Sragow (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film charming and engrossing, highlighting its tribute to ingenuity and the American can-do spirit through Damon's resourceful performance. It singles out the matter-of-fact storytelling and collective heroics at NASA for particular praise. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/deep-focus-the-martian/) - **The AV Club**, Mike D'Angelo (B+): Celebrates the film as an inspiring ode to human ingenuity and rational problem-solving through science. Commends its entertaining focus on technical challenges and hopeful, collaborative spirit without heavy-handed messaging. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/ridley-scott-s-the-martian-will-give-faith-to-secular-s-1798185136) - **Radio Times**, Stella Papamichael (4/5): Notes the ingenuity and humor, real science, but criticizes lack of psychological depth and isolation feeling; Damon makes it engaging. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-6tmf15/the-martian/) - **Time Out**, Joshua Rothkopf (4/5): Praises Scott's return to form with a fun, optimistic survivor tale, highlighting Damon's charming performance and the intellectual problem-solving. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-martian) - **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): Visually spectacular and entertaining but fails to hit emotional beats strongly; crowd-pleaser but not quite enough. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-martian-review/5092933.article) - **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (3/3/2): The critic finds it enjoyable wide-eyed sci-fi whimsy but ultimately not very good or meaningful, praising the can-do attitude but complaining it's a fantasy with little to say. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-martian) - **Empire**, Ian Freer: The critic praises the film's irreverence, Damon's engaging lead performance, and the witty script that blends sci-fi with character study and jet-black comedy. Scott's direction delivers smart problem-solving tension and uplift, making it his most enjoyable film in years despite some flaws in supporting cast and pacing. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/martian-review/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan: The critic describes the film as a polished, crowd-pleasing sci-fi entertainment that respects its geeky roots and delivers satisfying payoffs. Ridley Scott is credited with skillfully blending his visual style and storytelling prowess. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-martian-review-20151002-column.html) - **Slant Magazine**, Jaime N. Christley: Criticizes the film for lacking conviction in its character textures and emotional depth, resulting in a safe but bland mix of survival tropes. Notes the absence of genuine awe or eccentricity despite the scientific focus. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-martian/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw: Ridley Scott delivers an enjoyable sci-fi adventure that succeeds thanks to a strong script and Matt Damon's engaging lead performance as the stranded astronaut. The film stands out for its blend of technical ingenuity, retro-pop soundtrack, and light-hearted survival details like growing potatoes in Martian soil. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/04/the-martian-review-matt-damon-shines-stranded-astronaut) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy: Praises Ridley Scott's return to fine form with a smart, realistic adaptation focused on survival and practical problem-solving. Highlights Matt Damon's credible, humorous performance as the stranded astronaut and the film's upbeat, detail-oriented tone. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/martian-tiff-review-820882/) - **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane: The review highlights the film's light, comedic touch and youthful energy despite the director's age, celebrating its focus on survival, ingenuity, and human connection. It positions the movie as a true companion piece to Scott's earlier Alien. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/10/12/forward-drive) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: The critic calls the film a funny, loose, and optimistic space adventure that balances epic scope with intimate solitude. Ridley Scott is praised for returning to deep space with a lighter, more hopeful tone than his prior sci-fi works. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/movies/review-in-the-martian-marooned-but-not-alone.html) - **Total Film**, Jamie Graham: The critic highlights the film's topical, supremely crafted blend of technical ingenuity, personal resilience, and gallows humour, with strong ensemble turns and Scott's assured direction. It is not as iconic as some of his other sci-fi but succeeds as an intelligent, heartfelt spectacle anchored by Damon's likeable performance. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/martian-review/) - **Vulture**: Applauds the film's resourceful, engaging storytelling and strong production values that make the survival tale compelling. Singles out Matt Damon's witty, relatable performance and the satisfying emphasis on teamwork and ingenuity. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2015/10/movie-review-the-martian-soars.html) - **Digital Spy**, Ali Plumb (85/100, inferred): The critic deems it Ridley Scott's best film in nearly 15 years, a thrilling mix of science lesson and survival drama that keeps viewers engaged. It singles out Damon's charismatic performance for making the science accessible and entertaining. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a670821/the-martian-review-macgyver-meets-robinson-crusoe-in-ridley-scotts-thrilling-science-lecture/) - **Polygon**, Julia Alexander (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the film for redefining sci-fi by focusing on human courage, optimism, and the intimate struggle to survive rather than explosions or spectacle, singling out Matt Damon's enthusiastic and believable portrayal of Mark Watney as the emotional core. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2015/10/5/9455167/the-martian-review/) - **Den of Geek**, Ryan Lambie (4/5): The critic calls it a must-see that puts Ridley Scott back on form, praising the MacGyver-like thrill of clever problem-solving and Damon's witty, upbeat survivalist turn. It singles out the film's visual spectacle and feel-good celebration of human ingenuity. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-martian-review-2/) - **NME**, Ben Homewood (4/5): The critic hails it as Ridley Scott's best film in years for its rare laughs in a space drama, crediting Damon's sardonic, charismatic performance. It singles out the blend of humor, tension, and emotional depth about the value of one life. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-various-artists-16273-310270) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B): The critic finds it a lively, breezy sci-fi trip that prioritizes entertainment over depth or scientific detail, praising Matt Damon's multi-dimensional lead performance as the element that makes the film work despite its surface-level approach. [Read](https://collider.com/the-martian-film-review-matt-damon-ridley-scott/) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde: The critic finds it one of the most exciting films of the year, a captivating Red Planet adventure that emphasizes brains over brawn in a survival story. They single out the skillful blend of suspense and humor, along with strong ensemble performances centered on scientific problem-solving. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/the-martian-review-matt-damon-ridley-scott-chiwitel-ejiofor-kristen-wiig/) ## Details - **Director:** Ridley Scott - **Director:** Ridley Scott - **Screenplay:** Drew Goddard - **Novel:** Andy Weir - **Cinematography:** Dariusz Wolski - **Editor:** Pietro Scalia - **Music:** Harry Gregson-Williams - **Production design:** Arthur Max - **Costume design:** Janty Yates - **Producer:** Aditya Sood, Simon Kinberg, Mark Huffam - **Cast:** Matt Damon as Mark Watney; Jessica Chastain as Melissa Lewis; Kristen Wiig as Annie Montrose; Jeff Daniels as Theodore "Teddy" Sanders; Michael Peña as Rick Martinez; Sean Bean as Mitch Henderson; Kate Mara as Beth Johanssen; Sebastian Stan as Chris Beck - **Runtime:** 2h 21m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13 - **Release (the US):** 2 October 2015 - **Genres:** Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure - **Budget:** $108 million - **Box office:** $631 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej3ioOneTy8 ## Where to watch in the US - Amazon Prime Video: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $4.99, uhd - Apple TV: buy $4.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-15.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2016: Best Actor (nominated); Best Picture (nominated); Best Production Design (nominated); Best Sound (nominated); Best Sound Editing (nominated); Best Visual Effects (nominated); Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (nominated) - Hugo Awards 2016: Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form (won) ## If you liked this - *Apollo 13* (1995), Fi1m 84: Another space emergency made absorbing through practical decisions and people working together. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/apollo-13.md) - *All Is Lost* (2013): For the solitude and physical struggle that Watney’s humour keeps at bay. - *The Flight of the Phoenix* (1965): Stranded people argue their way towards a solution that requires everyone’s skills. - *Dersu Uzala* (1975): Patient attention to survival, companionship and knowledge that deserves to be heard. - *The Wandering Earth* (2019): For a louder, stranger vision of humanity tackling an enormous engineering problem. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-martian