Ad Astra

Team of scientists, technicians, astronauts, and high-ranking aerospace brass is diverse in terms of age, gender, race. But their roles are minor, as the film devotes its runtime to following Roy and his search for his lost father, both White men.

A wild animal fatally attacks a human; it happens off-screen, but viewers see the gory remains. Several deaths as a result of guns, explosions in a war zone, pressurized head explosions (quick but intense/disturbing), a stabbing, an implied suicide. People fall to their death from a high platform during a natural disaster.

Flashbacks reference a failed romantic relationship.

Infrequent strong language, including "s--t," "son of a bitch," "what the hell" and "goddamn," plus a use of "f--king" (paired with "sucks"). Someone flips the bird in jest. "Jesus Christ" as an exclamation.

Astronauts take a prescription pill mandated by the government for space travel.

Parents need to know that Ad Astra is a stunning, thoughtful sci-fi drama starring Brad Pitt. The title is Latin for "through hardships to the stars," and while the film has all the trappings of a great space adventure, space travel is just the setting. This is really the emotional odyssey of a man who's trying to make peace with his conflicted feelings about his father (Tommy Lee Jones) -- and therefore it's not especially likely to entertain most teens. Still, Pitt's character, Major Roy McBride, is an admirable man -- courageous, calm, and thoughtful -- who's living in a future where it appears that race, gender, and age have equal professional footing. Sci-fi action includes guns, moon battles with explosions, solar flares, and other things that might go wrong in space, including a jarring animal attack that isn't shown but has gruesome results (which are shown). Characters die, including via a brief but intense/disturbing head explosion due to pressure issues. Much of the sound is muted through the quiet of a spacesuit, so this may be a good choice for those with audio sensitivities. Faith-focused families will appreciate elements such as prayer and positive acknowledgements of God's presence in the universe. Strong language is used sparingly but includes "hell" and "goddamn" and a possible use of "f--king."

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