Let's make this short: Alfonso Cuaron's space thriller about disaster striking three astronauts during a space walk is unlike anything you've seen on the big screen before.
It starts with a 17 minutes sequence shot that puts you right there in the middle of things, turning the audience into a witness in close proximity to events that turn from zen-like calm to horrific mayhem within seconds.
Of course it helps if you have no problems spending 90 minutes really close to Sandra Bullock, who may deliver the performance of her career here, despite of being a rather unusual choice. In fact, she entirely disappears behind her character, a modern day Ellen Ripley if you want, just without the xenomorphs to fight.
It's also refreshing to see a film that relies on its audience's intelligence and concentration without spelling out each decision or explanation for them.
How scientifically accurate this film really is will be up to experts to decide. As a viewer the protagonists' struggle for survival will keep you on the edge of your seat for 90 minutes, torn between the awe-inspiring beauty of space and unspeakable terror of getting lost up there. The cinematography pulls all tricks imaginable to create an experience hard to forget. Accordingly, 3D fulfills a real purpose here.
With everyone involved in the making of this film being at the top of their game the result is a real game-changer, a visually, artistically and technically breathtaking masterpiece that will stand the test of time, maybe even opens up an entirely new genre. It should most certainly be seen on the biggest screen you can find.
8.5 out of 10 fire extinguishers.
You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.