The first entry of the 2020-2021 Film Journal is the science-fiction film, "The Martian". Here, I formally introduce this new era of the Cinematic Journey. Additionally, as I saw this film early in January 2021, I reflect on how this work's optimistic ideology combated my pessimistic feelings in the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection in Washington D.C. Cover: custom poster by chunkong