Jupiter Ascending (2015) - A Sci-Fi Adventure That Soars and Stumbles

28 July 2023
"Jupiter Ascending," directed by the Wachowski siblings (Cloud Atlas, Speedracer), is a visually stunning and ambitious science fiction film that takes audiences on a grand intergalactic adventure. 

Released in 2015, the movie promises an epic tale of destiny, power, and love set against a backdrop of dazzling special effects and imaginative world-building. 

The Wachowskis, known for their groundbreaking work on "The Matrix" trilogy, return with their signature visual style, pushing the boundaries of sci-fi cinema. As with any grand endeavor, the film exhibits both moments of brilliance and occasional missteps, making it an intriguing subject for analysis.

jupiter ascending poster

The film revolves around Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), a young and seemingly ordinary woman living an unremarkable life as a cleaner in Chicago. However, her world turns upside down when she discovers her true lineage - Jupiter's genetic makeup makes her the reincarnation of a powerful alien queen, making her a potential heir to vast planetary holdings. This revelation thrusts her into a dangerous intergalactic power struggle that spans across multiple worlds. 

Her journey of self-discovery becomes entwined with Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered former soldier with wolf DNA, who becomes her protector and guide through the complex and treacherous universe.

One of the film's standout aspects is its remarkable visual spectacle. The Wachowskis have a knack for creating visually stunning worlds, and "Jupiter Ascending" is no exception. The movie showcases a stunning array of visual effects and intricately crafted set designs that transport viewers to new and captivating realms. From breathtaking aerial battles above the cityscapes of Earth to the awe-inspiring vistas of distant planets, the film immerses its audience in a rich tapestry of imaginative sci-fi landscapes. The level of creativity and attention to detail in the visual effects deserves praise, as it elevates the film's immersive experience and keeps viewers engaged in this visually arresting universe.

While the world-building is impressive, the same cannot be said for the depth of the characters. Despite a talented cast, including Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum, the characters often lack the emotional resonance necessary to fully invest the audience in their journey. Jupiter's character arc, though intriguing, could have been fleshed out further, allowing viewers to empathize more deeply with her transformation from an ordinary woman to a cosmic queen. 

Additionally, her relationship with Caine could have benefited from more development, providing a stronger emotional core to the story. On the other hand, the film's antagonist, Balem (Eddie Redmayne), delivers an eccentric and memorable performance, albeit one that some viewers may find overly theatrical + dreary. 

The movie's biggest flaw lies in its narrative pacing and plot complexity. "Jupiter Ascending" introduces a vast array of concepts, including intergalactic dynasties, genetic engineering, and political machinations, but struggles to maintain a coherent balance between these elements. As a result, the story occasionally feels convoluted and rushed, leaving audiences grasping for more substantial explanations and character motivations. 

A more focused approach to storytelling and a judicious trimming of certain subplots could have improved the film's overall cohesiveness. Despite these shortcomings, the film manages to maintain a sense of momentum through its action sequences and visually captivating set-pieces, keeping viewers engaged throughout.

At its core, "Jupiter Ascending" explores themes of identity, destiny, and the significance of individual choices in shaping the future. Jupiter's journey from a seemingly insignificant person to a powerful cosmic entity serves as a metaphor for the potential within all individuals to rise above their circumstances and embrace their true potential. The film also prompts viewers to question the notion of power and its impact on civilizations and individuals alike. It explores the ethical implications of harvesting entire planets for resources, drawing attention to real-world concerns about environmental conservation and corporate greed

While the film could have delved even deeper into these thought-provoking themes, it nevertheless provides a platform for reflection on the nature of humanity and the vastness of the universe.

"Jupiter Ascending" is an ambitious and visually mesmerizing sci-fi adventure that ultimately struggles to reach its full potential due to a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. The Wachowski siblings' creativity shines through the breathtaking world-building, but the film falls short in delivering a tightly woven narrative that resonates with the audience.

Nevertheless, fans of grand-scale science fiction and eye-popping visual effects may find elements to enjoy in this intergalactic saga. As a visual feast, "Jupiter Ascending" manages to soar, but it occasionally stumbles when it comes to weaving its various narrative threads together into a cohesive whole.

Despite its flaws, the film's audacious vision and ambitious storytelling ensure it remains a noteworthy entry in the sci-fi genre, sparking discussions and leaving viewers pondering the boundless possibilities of the cosmos and the allure of epic science fiction storytelling.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
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