One of many explanation why “The Martian” resonates with audiences is the realistic way in which Mark’s arc unfolds. The percentages stacked in opposition to him are monumental, and his optimism wanes as years cross. He’s now not the indomitably strong-willed botanist we all know — the ordeal has left a mark on him. Regardless of these dire circumstances, there’s something basically life-affirming about Mark’s journey. Though his video logs grow to be extra hopeless/miserable, he continues to work on the rover. Even when within the gutter, Mark Watney refuses to surrender and dares to hope whereas gazing on the stars.
The climactic rescue is rife with issues, as Mark and his ascent car have to be light-weight sufficient to realize sufficient velocity to rendezvous with the Hermes. Commander Lewis (Jessica Chastain) makes use of an explosive to gradual their craft down and attain Mark, however the try fails. Simply as all hope appears misplaced, Mark does the unthinkable: he punctures a gap in his go well with to make use of it as a propeller towards Lewis. The plan works, and the catharsis hooked up to this second is immense, as Mark’s laborious wrestle lastly pays off.
Ultimately, Mark decides to grow to be an teacher for aspiring astronauts, and his story of survival turns into a principal information for the subsequent technology. Mark emphasizes the significance of perseverance, as luck can solely take one thus far. The ending additionally touches on the lives of the remainder of the crew — whereas it is a neat, gift-wrapped ending, it really works pretty effectively with the overarching themes of the story. All is effectively in the long run, and as unrealistic as which may sound, this blissful ending is thoroughly earned in “The Martian.” In spite of everything, it’s a literal leap of religion that saves Mark’s life in the long run.
