'My Notes on Mars' Review: Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend Star in an Imperfect Breakdown of Marriage and Memory

Opening With a Cosmic Dream

From its first frame, Lili Horvát's "My Notes On Mars" establishes itself as a film that operates somewhere between the intimate and the cosmic. The opening images find Margot Fogle (Mackenzie Davis) floating in her new rural homestead pool just outside Budapest. The sound drowns out as the water covers her ears; as she shuts her eyes, we're transported — perhaps through her imagination — further and further away from her life on Earth, all the way to Mars' surface, right down to a microscopic level where strange shapes emerge.

This kaleidoscopic introduction recalls the work of Percival Lowell, a 19th-century astronomer name-dropped in passing, who claimed to have discovered advanced irrigation on the red planet by way of telescopic observation. Sadly, this turned out to be a reflection of the blood vessels in his retina.

It's an ambitious start, one that sets up a film that seems poised to explore themes of memory, identity, and emotional distance with a unique blend of science fiction and psychological realism. Yet as the film progresses, it becomes apparent that while the ambition is there, execution falls short in key areas.

The Premise: A Disappearance with No Clear Answer

The narrative follows the mysterious disappearance of an American astrophysicist named Margot Fogle during a hike in the Hungarian mountains. She disappears for two months, only to return on the day of her own memorial, with no recollection of who she is or where she's been. All she has left are mathematical notes that she insists must be destroyed — and an inexplicable obsession with Mars.

Horvát and cinematographer Róbert Maly wrap the story's gradual unveiling in a curious haze — an intimate glow complemented by Gábor Keresztes's shimmering score, which resembles the quieter moments of "Interstellar." However, the film struggles to sustain its initial intrigue. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile the enigmatic with the emotional.

Performance and Character Study

Mackenzie Davis delivers a powerful performance as Margot, particularly when she is compelled to explore primal urges connected to sound and smell. Davis's portrayal captures the unsettling transformation of a woman caught between two realities — one where her memories have been erased, and another where she seems to be drawn to something beyond human understanding.

However, as the film progresses, Davis's character begins to take on a more grounded, childlike cadence. This shift undermines the intended ambiguity surrounding Margot's condition, grounding her too firmly within the literal rather than leaving room for interpretation.

Rupert Friend is equally effective in his role as Sam, Margot's husband, whose frustration and emotional disconnection with his wife form a key subplot. His portrayal captures the quiet desperation of a man who no longer recognizes the person he once knew, yet this emotional core never deepens or evolves significantly, even as new information emerges.

Thematic Undercurrents: Memory, Identity, and Grief

The film attempts to grapple with complex themes such as memory loss, identity crisis, and the denial of grief. These elements are woven into a broader narrative about the emotional disconnection in modern relationships — particularly those under stress. There's an undertone that resonates with the concept of mourning: not just for the lost relationship but for the one that might have been.

Yet despite these thematic efforts, the film often feels like it's working against itself, with a narrative structure that fails to fully develop its central metaphor. The repetition of key motifs — particularly around the notion of escape and return — becomes predictable rather than profound, leaving viewers with a sense of emotional stagnation.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Horvát's visual choices are consistently strong, particularly in her use of lighting and framing to create an atmosphere of introspection and unease. The cinematography effectively conveys Margot's mental state, especially during scenes that blur the line between reality and memory.

The film also benefits from its musical score, which enhances the ethereal quality of the story without overwhelming it. However, even these strengths are ultimately undermined by a narrative that does not provide sufficient emotional depth or resolution.

A Film in Search of Its Own Meaning

"My Notes On Mars" is undeniably ambitious, especially in its attempt to blend elements of science fiction with deeply personal drama. The initial concept is compelling — a woman who returns from an unknown journey with no memory but with urgent knowledge to protect.

But as the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the story lacks a clear direction or purpose. It plays the same dramatic beats ad nauseam until things begin to stagnate. While there are moments of visual brilliance and emotional resonance, they do not translate into a cohesive, impactful experience.

The film ultimately feels like an imperfect exploration of themes that could have been developed more fully. Its poetic approach — especially in the opening act — is beautiful but short-lived. By the time we reach the end, there's little to suggest that Margot's return was anything more than a plot device designed to bring about her emotional and intellectual unraveling.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, "My Notes On Mars" remains a visually stunning film that showcases the potential of its lead performers and the creative vision of its director. However, it fails to capitalize on the rich thematic material it introduces, resulting in a narrative that is both captivating and frustrating.

In the end, what should have been a meditation on memory and identity becomes merely a study in missed opportunities — an intriguing premise left unfulfilled by a story that never quite finds its rhythm or emotional core. As such, while the film deserves credit for its ambition, it ultimately leaves audiences feeling as lost as its protagonist.