A Visual Masterpiece and Great Survival Story

Rating: 9/10 (11 September 2016)

I'm glad to view this with all the hype behind it, because it was at a point where it felt like my thoughts about this movie were affected by all the talk surrounding me. I feel like that can be a good thing in many instances, but when I had many of my friends and family call it "boring", or state that "nothing really happens" my only reaction was to yell "you just don't get it!" like an angry pre-teen.
All that said, I'm glad to say that I still really love this. When it comes down to it, this is a survival story; all the elements are in place: the isolated and inhospitable environment, the loss of a loved one in the recent past, the untimely deaths of those who started the journey by their side, etc. Ryan has a pretty good arc, one that may slide too far into sickly sentiment, but it's very clear and visually compelling.
The visuals have been talked to death. They're great, everyone knows it. What still amazes me is the way they're able to use the lack of gravity to create a sense of disorientation. There is no up or down, and the inability to control body movement creates an unbearable amount of tension during many set-pieces. The camera is always expertly placed, and the movements allow us to see and experience Ryan's journey with her. It's never overwhelming to the point of nauseating; we're in the perfect spot. And I love how much of the story in told with visual information. The barest of information is told to us with words, instead trusting the viewer to remain an active participant. You're eyes are constantly looking around the screen, collecting the same images that Ryan is seeing, trying to find something, anything that will help her get back to Earth safely.
I love the title more and more. Like I said above, the lack of gravity allows the filmmakers to play around with emptiness and camera movement simulating the disorientation and distress of the characters. At the end, when Ryan is back on Earth, the newly added gravity allows her to stand on her two feet and capture that amazing shot of her looking like a conqueror.