The newest instalment to the unique, yet brilliant world of Wes Anderson's filmography has finally arrived, and takes shape through the form of "Asteroid City".
If you are no stranger to Wes Anderson's filmography and the worlds he creates through his unique storytelling, you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into the moment you purchase a ticket for Asteroid City.
However, if you aren't too familiar with Anderson's recent work such as Isle Of Dogs, The French Dispatch and The Grand Budapest Hotel, you may find yourself slightly lost watching this film.
It goes without saying that Wes Anderson is a director that likes what he likes, and tends not to play far outside the boundaries of what he does best.
Delicate movie-making factors such as cinematography, characters, dialogue and world-building all tend to have strong correlation and consistency across Anderson's filmography.
Another thing you can definitely count on seeing within a Wes Anderson production is an exceptional ensemble cast - and the case is no different with Asteroid City.
Although it is difficult to pinpoint who the lead characters are in this movie, Scarlett Johansson and Jason Schwartzman definitely tend to share the spotlight in terms of screen time.
These two are supported by huge names such as Tom Hanks, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Margot Robbie, Maya Hawke, Adrien Brody, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, Jeffrey Wright... the list really does go on and on.
The story of Asteroid City follows a group of young children who are known for being the next generation of geniuses within the astral-physical field, due to their recent contributions to the industry.
These "Junior star-gazers and space cadets" are joined by their families as they all unite together at Asteroid City to partake in an annual convention, before they are disturbed by potentially world-changing events.
As previously mentioned, director and co-writer Wes Anderson, does a brilliant job of doing what he is good at. Which is creating a unique and aesthetically-pleasing world filled with interesting characters that somehow manage to go without portraying any real emotion throughout the entire of the 105 minute runtime.
A skill that Anderson seems to have perfected, whilst no other current filmmaker dares to attempt.
It goes without saying that the cinematography within this film is magnificent and certainly aesthetically pleases the eye. Everything from the production design, the costume design, right down to the work of Robert Yeoman's cinematography all culminate to produce a stunning-looking film.
But the question must be asked - when will Anderson take on a new challenge and produce something completely different to his recent work in filmography?
Seeing as though the answer could very well be never, it's fine to simply enjoy Asteroid City for what it undeniably is, that being a solid addition to the unique filmography of an extremely unique filmmaker.
Whilst it may be found difficult to categorize this movie into a specific genre, it must be mentioned that the story is scattered with a number of subtle comedic moments that will turn the audience to laughter. Once again displaying the unique sense of humour that Anderson possesses.
It is also difficult to dig deep into the depths of this film to find a specific theme that the story unfolds itself into.
Some audience members could argue that the voice that Anderson is trying to express in Asteroid City is that regardless of what other worldly creatures there are out there that may or may not exist, the true existence that we must take care of is the people we associate ourselves with.
Undoubtedly, any thread that may be followed in this movie to lead us to a key theme or expression of voice would be quite the reach.
So why not just enjoy Asteroid City for what it is? A story about an ensemble of intriguing characters whose lives are potentially changed forever due to a world-changing event, that is scattered with light and heart-warming comedy throughout.
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