Astronaut

Astronaut is a riveting drama film released in 2019. It features a dynamic cast that includes Richard Dreyfuss, Lyriq Bent, and Krista Bridges and is directed by Shelagh McLeod. This stunning and heartfelt film presents a tale of dream fulfillment, self-assertion, and the power of ambition.

The story is built around the protagonist, Angus Stewart, played by the award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, who is famous for his roles in Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Dreyfuss gives a compelling performance as Angus, a widowed, aging man who is facing numerous emotional and physical challenges. However, his vigor is unaffected, especially when it comes to his lifelong dream: going to space.

For altitude enthusiasts and cosmophiles, one of the main attractions of this dream is the allure for space travel. Despite being in his late 70s, Angus retains an unwavering fascination with the universe, stars, and the conception of multi-dimensional space, an infatuation that dates back to his childhood. Although his chances of experiencing the stars up close are virtually non-existent, he stumbles across a life-altering "Win a Trip to Space" contest hosted by a billionaire entrepreneur. Encouraged by his love for astronomy and his grandson, portrayed by Richie Lawrence, Angus seizes this chance despite the odds stacked against him.

The competition, judged by eccentric billionaire Marcus Brown and his space corporation, sets a challenging age limit, but Angus is determined to fight the system. His once dormant engineering skills develop a potentially hazardous hitch in the competition's flagship spacecraft, leading to thrilling plot twists that will keep the audience glued to the screen. Lyriq Bent plays the role of Jim, a helpful coworker to Angus, solidifying their relationship overtime in the movie.

But Astronaut is more than just a space adventure; it's a profound exploration of aging and the importance of fulfilling lifelong dreams. The film carefully balances these themes with elements of family drama. Krista Bridges beautifully portrays Angus' daughter Molly, struggling to balance her responsibilities to her aging father and her own family. She grapples with the welfare of her father, his whimsical dreams, and the hard realities of age and infirmity.

The movie presents a touching picture of an older generation reconciling with the loss of their freedom, alienation from their families, and the seclusion that often comes with aging. It puts forward questions about how society views the elderly, highlighting the often overlooked cognitive and emotional capabilities of an aging population. The narrative is enriched by a balanced combination of humor and poignancy, making it a compelling watch.

Astronaut is an impressive debut from the director, Shelagh McLeod. The storytelling is straightforward, the characters well-developed, and the events ensuing evenly paced. You can anticipate heart-tugging moments combined with suspense and drama. McLeod uses the drama created by the dream versus reality dichotomy to deliver a versatile angle to the story. She successfully captivates the viewers by carving a touching representation of resilience in the face of aging and adversity.

Dreyfuss' portrayal of Angus is one of the key highlights of the movie. He brings a sense of humanity, warmth, and determination to his character that is both captivating and relatable. His resilience in the face of age, health, and society's expectations forms the backbone of this inspiring tale. Bent and Bridges also give commendable performances, contributing to the emotional depth and vitality of the film.

On a technical level, Astronaut is beautifully shot. The cinematography captures the humdrum of everyday life and contrasts it with the vast, mysterious outer space that fascinates Angus. The music rehearses perfectly with the tone of the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In a nutshell, Astronaut is a heartfelt film about resilience, dreams, and determination. It combines the elements of a space adventure with poignant family drama, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats while also inviting them to ponder the deeper themes explored. Bolstered by a captivating performance from Dreyfuss and a strong supporting cast, Astronaut is definitely a must-watch for those seeking a touching and thought-provoking cinematic experience.