Jupiter Ascending (2015) is a visually ambitious space opera directed by the Wachowskis, known for their work on The Matrix trilogy. The film features a star-studded cast, including Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, and Sean Bean. While it aimed to establish an expansive and visually rich sci-fi universe, the movie received mixed reviews for its convoluted plot and lackluster character development, despite praise for its visual effects and action sequences.

Plot Summary:

The story follows Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), a young woman living a mundane life on Earth as a house cleaner, unaware of her extraordinary cosmic heritage. Her life changes when Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter with wolf DNA, comes to Earth to protect her from alien forces. Jupiter learns that she is the genetic reincarnation of the deceased matriarch of the powerful Abrasax family, a ruling dynasty that controls vast territories across the galaxy.

The three Abrasax siblings—Balem (Eddie Redmayne), Kalique (Tuppence Middleton), and Titus (Douglas Booth)—are engaged in a struggle to inherit their mother’s vast empire. Balem, who controls the valuable Earth, views Jupiter as a threat to his rule, as her genetic code grants her the right to claim ownership of Earth and potentially stop his plans to harvest its population for rejuvenation purposes.

Throughout the film, Jupiter is thrust into a web of political intrigue, deceit, and galactic warfare. With the help of Caine, she tries to navigate the dangers posed by the Abrasax siblings, uncovering dark secrets about the galaxy’s ruling elite. Ultimately, she must decide whether to accept her royal destiny and save Earth from being harvested for profit.

Key Themes:

1. Class and Power: Jupiter Ascending explores the theme of class hierarchy on a galactic scale. The Abrasax family represents the elite, who treat entire planets and their populations as commodities to be used and harvested. Jupiter’s rise from a lowly cleaner to a figure of galactic importance underscores a class struggle, with her journey symbolizing resistance against oppression.
2. Genetic Predestination: The film examines the idea of genetic inheritance and the power it holds in determining one’s place in the universe. Jupiter’s genetic code makes her the heir to a massive fortune and royal authority, highlighting the tension between free will and destiny in the context of a rigidly hierarchical society.
3. Human Exploitation and Immortality: A major plot point involves the Abrasax family harvesting entire planets to produce a serum that grants eternal youth. This highlights the ethical dilemmas of immortality and the lengths to which the ruling class will go to preserve their power, even at the cost of countless lives.
4. Identity and Self-Worth: Jupiter’s character arc involves her struggle to understand her identity, initially feeling insignificant as an ordinary human but eventually coming to terms with her role as a powerful figure in the cosmos. Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment.

Characters:

• Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones: Jupiter is the protagonist, initially a disillusioned young woman working as a cleaner, who discovers her royal lineage. Kunis portrays her as someone who is overwhelmed by her newfound responsibilities but ultimately embraces her role as the true heir to the Abrasax empire.
• Channing Tatum as Caine Wise: Caine is a hybrid human-wolf warrior sent to protect Jupiter. As a disgraced former soldier, he becomes Jupiter’s protector and love interest, guiding her through the complex and dangerous world of galactic politics.
• Eddie Redmayne as Balem Abrasax: Balem is the primary antagonist, a cold and ruthless member of the Abrasax family. His soft-spoken, almost whispering performance contrasts with his tyrannical nature. Redmayne’s portrayal was widely noted for its theatrical intensity.
• Sean Bean as Stinger Apini: Stinger is an old ally of Caine’s and a half-human, half-bee hybrid. He helps Caine and Jupiter in their fight against the Abrasax family, providing guidance and military support.
• Tuppence Middleton as Kalique Abrasax: Kalique is one of the Abrasax siblings, who is more manipulative and charming compared to her brother Balem. She offers Jupiter a glimpse of the power she could wield.

Cinematic Elements:

1. Visual Effects and World-Building: One of Jupiter Ascending’s strengths lies in its rich, detailed world-building and impressive visual effects. The Wachowskis created an expansive and visually stunning universe, complete with elaborate starships, planetary cities, and alien species. The space battles and cityscapes are meticulously crafted, offering a feast for the eyes.
2. Action Sequences: The film features numerous high-octane action scenes, including aerial battles and gravity-defying chases through futuristic cityscapes. These sequences, particularly involving Caine’s anti-gravity boots, provide some of the film’s most thrilling moments.
3. Costume and Production Design: The elaborate costume design and the grandeur of the Abrasax family’s worlds evoke a sense of opulence and decadence, emphasizing the contrast between the ruling elite and the ordinary citizens of the universe.
4. Score: The film’s musical score, composed by Michael Giacchino, complements the epic and fantastical tone of the story, blending orchestral swells with more intimate moments of character development.

Reception:

Despite its visual splendor and action-packed scenes, Jupiter Ascending was criticized for its convoluted plot and uneven storytelling. The film’s attempt to blend space opera, political intrigue, and romantic elements was seen as ambitious but ultimately overwhelming, with some critics finding the narrative difficult to follow. Performances, especially Eddie Redmayne’s as the villainous Balem, were divisive, with some enjoying the over-the-top delivery while others found it distracting.

Many reviewers praised the Wachowskis for their ambition and creativity, even if the film did not fully live up to expectations. The visuals and action sequences were largely well-received, but the film struggled to gain a lasting foothold in the sci-fi genre due to its complex narrative and underdeveloped characters.

Conclusion:

Jupiter Ascending is a visually stunning but narratively flawed sci-fi epic. It attempts to tell a grand, galaxy-spanning story with themes of class struggle, identity, and genetic predestination, but it stumbles in its execution. While its visual effects and world-building are undeniably impressive, the film’s plot complexity and character development left many audiences and critics divided. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a noteworthy entry in the Wachowskis’ filmography, showcasing their ambition to create original, boundary-pushing sci-fi narratives.