The Martian

Honestly, space exploration sci-fi 100% holds a permanent soft spot in my heart. Any movie that transports me off Earth and lands me on another planet is an instant must-watch. And The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott and adapted from Andy Weir’s novel, hits right at my favorite spot!

Unlike typical sci-fi films filled with cosmic doom or alien horrors, The Martian takes an optimistic, clever, and delightfully humorous approach focused entirely on scientific problem-solving.

“I’m Gonna Have to Science the S*** Out of This”

The core premise is undeniably high-stakes: astronaut and botanist Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is left behind on Mars after a fierce dust storm hits Sol 18. The Ares III crew presumes him dead, while any rescue mission from Earth is at least 4 years away.

Instead of panicking, Watney’s iconic rallying cry sets the entire tone: “I’m gonna have to science the s** out of this.”*

As a botanist, Watney decides to attempt the unthinkable: farming on Mars.

He converts the Hab into a functional greenhouse, processes Martian soil, uses composted human waste as natural fertilizer, and extracts water from hydrazine rocket fuel. Watching his step-by-step agricultural experiment succeed is absurdly satisfying haha!

Honestly, I never thought I would care so deeply about potatoes in my life!

Counting Every Single Calorie & Meal Rationing

One subtle detail that really stayed with me was Watney’s strict meal rationing routine.

Every single mealtime, he calculates calories in his head: how many potatoes remain, how many Sols he must survive, and when to cut rations in half. There’s even a hilarious moment when ketchup runs out and he resorts to dipping boiled potato bites into crushed Vicodin powder haha.

This small, pragmatic detail makes his survival journey feel grounded and real. Watching it made me pause my own snack mid-viewing while reflecting on how easily we take daily meals for granted on Earth.

Commander Lewis’ Disco Music & Crimson Landscapes

Surrounded by the silent vastness of Mars, Watney’s only entertainment is Commander Lewis’ 70s disco playlist (Abba, Donna Summer, The Trammps).

The contrast between cheerful 70s disco beats and the desolate red deserts of Wadi Rum creates a uniquely enjoyable aesthetic.

Final Reflection

The Martian is a celebration of human ingenuity, resilience, and humor in the face of seemingly impossible odds. It’s a comforting reminder that any problem, no matter how daunting, can be tackled piece by piece if we stay calm and start working the math.

A rock-solid sci-fi film that is always an absolute joy to rewatch!