Stark in plot and virtuosic in execution, Gravity is an immersive survival story, an exercise in blockbuster minimalism. The tale of two astronauts (Sandra Bullock, George Clooney) stranded in space, the film is a feast for the senses. The audience is made to feel as if they’re lost in space with Bullock, hanging in the void, not knowing which way is up, which way is down. The effect is thrilling and over-powering.
Earth often looms overhead like an incandescent lagoon, while director Cuaron takes every opportunity to demonstrate the sheer, mind-bending vastness of space. It’s the most terrible beauty you’ll see.
The film’s only stumbles involve strained insights into the characters’ back stories, which detract from the immediacy. Their split-second decisions and from-the-gut actions in the face of death tell us all we need to know. There is no need to embellish.