The opening credits of “Gravity” cautiously signal its central premise, that life is impossible in space. Yet, Alfonso Cuaron’s uninterrupted seventeen–minute opening shot offers a breathtaking view of Earth. Immediately, this aesthetic is juxtaposed with the catastrophic destruction of the space shuttle Explorer. This cataclysm propels surviving astronauts Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) into the depths of space with limited oxygen and radio silence with Mission Control in Houston.
Anticipating rescue, Stone and Kowalski recollect themselves and travel towards the International Space Station. Kowalski, who is on his last mission, offers reassurance in the form of overconfidence and the promise of a stash of Russian vodka to Stone, who has just lost her young daughter in a freak accident. This compelling relationship inspires Stone to contemplate her own existence in the midst of her calamity. Hope of survival and anxiety plague Stone's thoughts, but Kowalski’s optimism provides balance in their direst moments.
The utilization of 3–D manifests a claustrophobic yet necessary feel to the seemingly endless abyss. Long shots of the scenic view, including one of the Aurora Borealis and several situating Stone and Kowalski as diminutive specks in space, are visually stunning in this tight environment. Additionally, Cuaron embraces silence, frequently eliminating sound from “Gravity’s” most suspenseful moments, which mirrors the tragic communication loss with Houston. No one can hear Stone or Kowalski, and often their voices fade slowly away, like their oxygen supply.
Ultimately, viewers will enjoy this thriller not only for its technical triumphs, but also for Bullock and Clooney’s riveting performances. Hang on for the ride. Don’t let go.
Grade: A Rating & Runtime: PG–13, 90 min. See if you liked: “127 Hours”
