Astronaut: The Last Push

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Even when it dragged, it was right. The POINT was made - life on a long haul space mission will drag - even under the best of circumstances. Stuck, alone, in a windowless box the size of a bathroom for three years? Defies all comprehension - and that's what the director managed so well to put across. The acting was okay, but again, the hero's vulnerability followed by recovery were key - and that much was well played. Sam Rockwell did a better job of the solo thing in "Moon", but given that was an Oscar-worthy performance it's probably an unfair comparison. Having only very recently seen "Gravity", and hating it for it's corny premise, absurd science, and a script apparently penned by monkeys, I rejoiced in the fact that this film did it SO much better, for a fraction of the price. Another sublime "anti-Cameron" to add to the collection. Destined for cult status - just like "Moon".

Not for everyone and not for every occasion. If you're looking for action, save this for later. If you want to see a realistic take on space exploration and its mental implications, it's time to watch this. Realism is the keyword for this film. It doesn't try to convince the viewers with effects or stunts but rather in the way that you could for a brief while really feel you're in space. The director, Eric Hayden's father has been working on the Galileo probe that went to Jupiter which probably had its contribution to this film's script. The whole design of the ship and the mission is very realistic and it'd be quite close to the actual way we would go to Europa if we ever would. Without going into spoilers, there is another level going on in the film. More human. Again the characters are realistic and they act like a well trained astronauts would. But as the events unfold, the mental evolution of the main character becomes analogous with the craft's journey both in space and fate. There's a hint of third level on the movie which probably means I have to watch this movie again. It's not just the craft or the man inside who's making the journey but us, as human beings collectively.

The Thing that I liked most about this film is it did not shy away from the cost of space exploration. Instead it dealt with it head on. Michael Forrest (Khary Payton) is forced to endure isolation, and a confined existence all to survive and hopefully make it back to Earth. His only communication is when he receives a message from mission control. It is a horrifying existence and I found myself constantly wondering how I would deal with it (Not as well as him) In the end the film does more service to the spirit of exploration that any big budget Hollywood could ever hope too. A must view for all fans of "real" cinema.