Why You Should See 'The Martian Chronicles' in IMAX (Even If You Hate Sci-Fi)

I'll be honest: I almost didn't go see 'The Martian Chronicles.' The trailers looked like every other sci-fi epic from the past decade—grandiose, self-serious, and probably boring. Plus, it's based on a Ray Bradbury book from the 1950s, which made me worry it would feel dated. But the reviews were good, and I had a free evening, so I bought a ticket for the IMAX screening at the AMC Lincoln Square in New York on opening night, June 12.

Two hours and 45 minutes later, I walked out of the theater genuinely moved. This is not the movie I expected. It's better. And I think you should see it, even if sci-fi isn't your thing. Let me explain why.

The Plot Sounds Silly, But It Works

Here's the premise: In 2035, a crew of astronauts lands on Mars and discovers that the planet is already inhabited by humans—descendants of a lost colony that arrived centuries ago. But the Martians (that's what they're called) have a completely different way of life. They don't use technology. They communicate through a kind of empathetic telepathy. And they're dying.

The movie is about what happens when two groups of people who are technically the same species realize they have nothing in common. It's about colonization, memory, and the fear that progress might destroy more than it saves. Sound heavy? It is. But director Ava DuVernay (who also directed 'Selma' and the Netflix series 'When They See Us') handles it with a lightness that keeps the movie from feeling like a lecture.

The Acting Is the Best I've Seen This Year

John Boyega plays Commander James Holden, the leader of the mission. He's done genre work before (Star Wars, Pacific Rim), but this is his best performance. He brings a warmth and vulnerability to the role that makes you root for him even when he makes questionable decisions. There's a scene in the second act where he has to decide whether to reveal the truth about Mars to Earth—and the way he plays it, you can see the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders.

But the standout is newcomer Zendaya (yes, that Zendaya) as Lyra, a young Martian who befriends the crew. Her performance is completely physical—she speaks in a soft, melodic tone, but her eyes do all the work. There's a moment where she watches an astronaut use a tablet computer, and her expression of wonder and fear is so genuine that the audience gasped. She's going to win an Oscar for this. Mark my words.

Also worth mentioning: Cillian Murphy as Dr. William Stendahl, a scientist who begins to sympathize with the Martians. Murphy has a monologue about halfway through the film that had the entire theater silent. He's terrifying and heartbreaking in equal measure.

Why IMAX Matters for This Movie

I've seen plenty of movies in IMAX, and most of them don't need it. 'The Martian Chronicles' is different. DuVernay shot the film using IMAX-certified cameras (the first time she's done so), and the result is stunning. The Martian landscapes are shot in a way that makes you feel the cold, the dust, the emptiness. When the crew first lands on the planet, the screen fills with red sand and alien rock formations, and you feel like you're standing next to them.

But the real magic is the sound design. In IMAX, the audio is immersive—you hear the wind howling across the Martian plains, the hum of the spaceship's engines, the subtle telepathic whispers of the Martians. There's a scene where Lyra communicates with Holden for the first time, and the sound engineers created a frequency that feels like it's vibrating inside your skull. It's eerie and beautiful. You won't get that in a regular theater.

The Controversy Nobody's Talking About

Here's where it gets interesting. The movie opened to strong reviews (92% on Rotten Tomatoes as of June 13), but there's been backlash on social media from a small group who claim it's 'anti-American' or 'anti-progress.' The movie does ask uncomfortable questions about colonization and whether technological advancement is always a good thing. A conservative commentator on Twitter called it 'leftist propaganda disguised as entertainment.'

I think that's ridiculous. The movie doesn't have a political agenda—it's asking philosophical questions that Bradbury himself asked in the 1950s. But I do think it's notable that a big-budget studio film (budget: $180 million) is willing to challenge its audience instead of just providing escapism. That's rare, and I respect it.

The Ending Will Divide People

I won't spoil it, but I'll say this: the ending is not what you expect. It's not a happy Hollywood ending. It's ambiguous, thoughtful, and sad. Several people in my screening were crying. A couple of people walked out early. I sat in my seat for five minutes after the credits rolled, just processing.

Does it work? I think so. But I can see why some people will hate it. It doesn't give you easy answers. It asks you to sit with the messiness of the story. If you need everything tied up in a neat bow, this might not be for you.

The Verdict

'The Martian Chronicles' is the best movie I've seen in 2026, and I say that as someone who went in expecting to be bored. It's smart, beautiful, and emotionally resonant. The performances are stellar, the direction is masterful, and the IMAX experience is worth the premium ticket price.

Go see it. Take someone you love. And be ready to talk about it afterward.