‘Per Aspera Ad Astra’ (2026) Netflix Movie Review - Reality Has Never Felt So Uncertain

Sci-fi lovers, Per Aspera Ad Astra is what you must watch. The plot revolves around Xu Tainbiao, an astronaut who becomes entangled in “Sweet Dreams”, a virtual dream system that allows individuals to construct and live in the worlds of their own creations. Initially, this appears to be a big technological advancement, but soon enough, people come to realize how dangerous this is due to the blurred line between reality and fantasy. As the system increasingly gets out of control, Xu must navigate the countless versions of existence while confronting unsettling truths about himself and the nature of consciousness.

The plot is sort of similar to Boyfriend on Demand, which was an interesting watch too. What I loved the most about Per Aspera Ad Astra was the cinematic craftsmanship shown in the movie. Every dreamscape is different from the other and is vibrant and carefully designed. Overall, the visual experience is grand and amazing.

Dylan Wang as Xu Tainbiao carries much of the film in his own hands. He portrays more than fifteen different identities within the dream system. Whether appearing as a warrior or a ruthless gangster, there is a constant shift in what he displays to the audience. His performance through each of the incarnations is what adds so many layers in  Per Aspera Ad Astra. He conveys the various emotions through his acting, which is on par. Every expression of loneliness and emptiness is beautifully expressed by him. There is cold, confusion, and chaos. All packed in one, and only an actor as versatile as him can show the role.

Many action sequences are worth a watch. The gravity-free combat scenes leave a mark even after the credits begin to roll. Characters float, twist, and collide with each other as their battle continues. That creates a tear in the eyes and surely adds depth to the entire plot. Other than this, there is a deeply rooted message that Per Aspera Ad Astra tells us about the feeling of loneliness and isolation. As and when the digital realities around Xu start to crumble, his isolation also becomes increasingly visible. This serves as a stark reminder of what many people in real life face and how they wish to escape loneliness, even in the digital age.

The pacing is also even. At no point do you see the plot running with the story or slowing down for no reason. Everything feels deliberate, and that is the beauty of the movie.  So if you are a fan of sci-fi, Per Aspera Ad Astra is what you should be watching. It is something different and unique when it comes to the plot and keeps you intrigued right from the start to the end. By the time credits begin to roll, you will be left introspecting on what you watched, and that is exactly when you know that you watched something good.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times