Slowly drifting through space, two astronauts assess the grim situation they are in: They are separated from their shuttle, running low on oxygen, and have just barely survived a barrage of satellite debris that killed the rest of their crew. They are completely alone, with no air to carry any sound and no way to communicate with ground control. Survival is unlikely and the end is truly near.

This is Gravity, Alfonso Cuarón’s new film masterpiece. It has the best visual effects to date, which challenge the likes of Avatar and Pacific Rim. To add to the prestige of the film is the near-impossible setting; the zero gravity and silence of space. With its near perfect models of the International Space Station and Space Shuttle, this film will surely be nominated for an Oscar in the category of visual effects.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of the movie is the illusion of space. The actors move in a fluidity that looks very accurate to that of zero gravity. That visual, along with the silence and great vastness the film team was able to convey, makes it surprising that the film was not made in space.

Junior Adam Browne loved this movie, saying “I’ve always loved space, and this movie made me feel like I was right there. It was amazing.”

Interestingly enough, there are a total of five actors seen on screen in the entire movie, and two more heard as voices. However, the lack of actors does not deny the fact that Sandra Bullock’s and George Clooney’s performances were nothing but spectacular. Worried and caring Sandra Bullock and cool-headed and smooth-talking George Clooney, had amazing chemistry on screen.

Throughout the film, astronauts Ryan Stone (played by Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (played by George Clooney) have just survived a deadly wave of satellite debris. With their space shuttle destroyed, they must travel to the International Space Station in order to get to an escape and get back to Earth. However, with a limited oxygen supply and jetpack fuel to manuever, they must hasten their journey, especially with the debris coming for another attack.

Senior Jill Cressman expresses that this movie might be too terrifying for her, “I just don’t think I can bring myself to watch this movie because I know I’ll be scared the whole time.”

Gravity is an incredible journey that leaves the audience as helpless and shocked as Sandra Bullock. If possible, Gravity is best viewed in 3D.