Movie

The Martian

Name: The Martian
Released: 2015

2015 • Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

Woke Score

1.6

out of 10

Plot

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring "the Martian" home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney's safe return.

Overall Series Review

The film focuses on the universal themes of human ingenuity, survival, and international cooperation. The narrative is driven by the meritocratic application of science and engineering to solve a seemingly impossible problem. Mark Watney, an astronaut, must rely entirely on his knowledge and grit to survive alone on Mars. Back on Earth, NASA and international partners are portrayed as dedicated, rational institutions where personnel, regardless of their background, are valued strictly for their competence and contributions to the rescue mission. The story’s conflict is purely man vs. nature and time, not framed by social or political ideology. The film champions a positive view of Western institutions and a united humanity working toward a singular, noble goal. Gender and identity characteristics are present but are entirely secondary to individual skill and professional performance. The central message is that people working together, applying science and compassion, can overcome overwhelming odds.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

The astronaut crew and NASA personnel represent a range of ethnicities and genders, but their positions of authority are based entirely on professional merit and technical expertise. The narrative does not feature any discourse on racial privilege or systemic oppression. Character failures or triumphs stem from technical factors or personal decisions, not immutable characteristics. The focus is on a universal meritocracy.

Oikophobia1/10

NASA and the US space program are depicted as heroic institutions, receiving unwavering global support for the rescue mission. The film celebrates American ingenuity, represented by Mark Watney's scientific problem-solving, and international partnership, shown by China’s crucial assistance. The film promotes a sense of gratitude for civilization and institutions as shields against chaos, viewing Western-led technological progress positively.

Feminism2/10

The Ares III mission is commanded by a woman, Commander Melissa Lewis, who is portrayed as a highly capable and decisive leader. Her competence is established through her skill and actions, not instantly granted, and she exhibits clear guilt and emotional complexity after leaving her crewmate behind. Male characters are not consistently depicted as bumbling or incompetent, as Watney's survival is a masterclass in male competence. The plot contains no messaging about motherhood or family structure.

LGBTQ+1/10

The film’s entire focus is on the logistics of survival and rescue on a massive scale. Sexual identity is entirely absent from the dialogue and characterization. The narrative maintains a traditional, normative structure by confining itself to the professional and scientific spheres without introducing any lecturing on alternative sexualities or gender theory.

Anti-Theism2/10

The movie’s solution to every problem is overtly 'science the shit out of this,' positioning rational, scientific knowledge as the key to salvation. While this elevates science, it does not actively vilify or preach against religion. One high-level NASA character’s religious background is acknowledged as a personal detail, but faith is not a source of conflict or a target for ridicule. The morality is transcendent in the sense that human life has objective value, motivating the global rescue effort.