Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature French sci-fi animation; nudity, violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mars Express
What's the Story?
After capturing and extraditing a highly wanted hacker from Earth to Mars on the MARS EXPRESS, private investigator Aline Ruby (voiced by Léa Drucker in French and Morla Gorrondona in the English dub) takes a case to find a missing cybernetics student. On the trail, she discovers sentient robots, brain farms, and a conspiracy that seems to threaten the population on Mars.
Is It Any Good?
Both the animation and the imagination on display here are wondrously impressive, but Jérémie Périn's feature directorial debut is also noticeably derivative and hard to follow. Science fiction has long explored how AI, robots, cyborgs, and bioengineered humanoids could be exploited; whether sentient beings deserve humane treatment; and the humans-vs.-synthetics clash that seems destined to occur. With Earthlings having expanded their domain to Mars in Mars Express, Aline Ruby tracks hackers on both planets who "jailbreak" robots, freeing them from their human directives and allowing them to realize what it means to be "alive." Her partner, Carlos, is a literal robocop implanted with memories from his human existence. Synthetic humans occupy the sex trade. And one scene features an enhanced human growing a sword out of her hand and chasing targets: She's literally a blade runner.
Whether the movie's ideas are original or borrowed, Périn does take the story in a new direction, one that's meant to leave viewers pondering our own human limits and failings. Will teens get this? Maybe. But the situation and discoveries in Mars Express aren't clear enough. In many instances, a single line of dialogue is meant to inspire deeper thought and imply conclusions that plenty of viewers won't really pick up. And despite clocking in at a tight 88 minutes, Mars Express somewhat contradicts its title, dragging as confusion sets in. The result is an intriguing, mature story with an unsatisfying ending. It will likely be a pass for many teens, but animation aficionados will be all in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Mars Express has to say about human nature and limitations. What are Aline and Carlos' positive characteristics, and how do they work together as a team? They're the "heroes," but they're also deeply flawed. Do these negative traits impact your opinion of them?
In science fiction films set in the future, societies tend to be either utopian, technocratic, and seemingly perfect, or dystopian, barbaric, and seemingly on the verge of extinction. Where does this movie fit on this spectrum? What are some other examples of science fiction movies that align with these conflicting visions of the future?
Which technological innovations in Mars Express seem like they could be a reality in the future? Which don't?
Talk about the ethics of artificial intelligence. Where do you think the evolving relationship of humanity and technology is headed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 3, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : June 8, 2024
- Cast : Morla Gorrondona , Kiff VandenHeuvel , Josh Keaton
- Director : Jérémie Périn
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : GKIDS
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Robots
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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