The Astronaut Review: Tense Moments and Mysterious Phenomena in a Luxury Setting
In the opening scenes of this deliberately paced sci-fi movie, NASA pilot Captain Sam Walker (played by Kate Mara) crash lands in the ocean. Her employer retrieves her and housed in an extremely luxurious safe house. While quarantine is routine, the setting is anything but—thanks to her CIA official father (brought to life by Laurence Fishburne), she finds herself in an aspirational hideout featuring sleek glass and angular, impersonal interiors.
The majority of the story unfolds in this luxe-but-remote location, where audiences are left to wonder what is more disturbing: Sam’s newfound ability to levitate an egg, or the eerie sounds that occur after dark and leave strange traces on the floor.
Unexplained Changes and a Strong Cast
The egg levitation hints that Sam may be facing not only external threats but also changes within her own body. A discolored mark on her hand deteriorates, and she suffers from headaches and visions. What, exactly, is going on?
At first, director Jess Varley does a superb job at creating suspense and unraveling these mysteries. She is assisted by a dedicated cast: Fishburne adds weight as Sam’s father, Gabriel Luna delivers a soulful performance as her estranged husband, and newcomer Scarlett Holmes charms as the couple’s adorable daughter.
Structural Concerns and an Rushed Ending
In the middle acts, however, rhythm issues begin to surface. Audiences may feel that the reveals are too slow in coming, leaving them eager for more clarity. Humans cannot live on jump-scares alone.
The contained setting also creates a sense of being trapped in a movie-themed immersive experience, where one might be chased by an alien creature through an artfully lit set.
By the finale, the film changes pace dramatically, offering an overload of information in too little time. The implications of the plot’s conclusion are enormous for the characters, and after investing time getting to know them, the abrupt closure can feel like a sleight of hand.
Unfortunately, because this film has much to offer, but similar to the main character in the opening, it doesn’t quite deliver a satisfying conclusion.
