The Aeronauts

The 2019 film 'The Aeronauts' offers viewers an enthralling journey set in the skies of 1862 London. This adrenaline-fueled historical adventure drama stars Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne, and Himesh Patel, and is directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Tom Harper.

'The Aeronauts' focuses on the unlikely pair: Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones), a daredevil balloon pilot, and James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne), a scientific trailblazer, and their collaboration to advance human knowledge of the weather and fly higher than anyone in history. Wren and Glaisher's endeavor places them in a rapidly inflating hot air balloon, on a mission to reach unimaginable heights. It's a grand tale based on the real-life journey of scientist James Glaisher, known for his pioneering weather predictions.

Amelia Wren is a high-spirited, adventurous woman who is also a widow, her husband being the previous pilot of the balloon. Her character is partially fictional yet takes a cue from real-life aeronaut Sophie Blanchard, known for her balloon ascensions. In the film, Wren pushes the boundaries of what is considered conventional for a woman of her time. The fiercely independent Wren becomes a driving force behind the ambitious scientific experiment, bringing her incredible courage and aptitude for navigation into the effort.

On the other hand, Redmayne's James Glaisher is an earnest, dedicated scientist determined to succeed where others have scoffed. He firmly believes in the value and potential of meteorology, convinced that his weather predictions could save countless lives in the future. He is thus the polar opposite of Wren, his by-the-book and traditional approach to life often clashing with Wren's freewheeling personality.

Patel’s character, John Trew, plays a supporting role in the film as Glaisher's grounded and loyal friend. A man with his feet firmly on the ground, Trew assists Glaisher in his brave endeavor.

The dual narrative of the film oscillates between the air balloon journey, filling the entirety of the screen with breathtakingly vast aerial views, and flashbacks to Wren and Glaisher's lives on terra firma, foregrounding the characters' backstories. This format works towards creating an emotional depth and fosters an intimate bond between Wren and Glaisher, revealing their motivations and inner conflicts.

Harper's storytelling is enhanced by the clever and dramatic use of visuals and special effects that bring the duo's perilous ascent to life. As they ascend into the icy stratosphere, the audience is handed a feast of stunningly beautiful and often terrifying images as they witness the fragility of man in the face of nature's vast, indifferent power.

'The Aeronauts' beautifully centerpiece is the masterful performance of Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne, who had previously shared the screen in 'The Theory of Everything.' Their chemistry underpins the movie, lending credibility to their characters' professional relationship turned friendship.

Striking a balance between character-driven drama and survival story, the film beautifully depicts the human spirit's indomitable will against the devastating backdrop of nature's raw force. Marked by thrilling action sequences, tender moments, and awe-inspiring visuals, 'The Aeronauts' proves to be a film that leaves viewers riveted from beginning to end.

The film’s setting, woven with historical truths and dramatized elements, serves as a backdrop to explore themes of scientific exploration and the idea of women pushing boundaries in a male-dominated society. 'The Aeronauts' also investigates the individual spirit's resilience against all odds, putting the essential human tenacity to explore, learn, and survive into profound perspective.

Combined with Steven Price's stirring score that drives home the emotional beats of the narrative and accentuates its high-stakes sequences, 'The Aeronauts' transforms into a panoramic exhibition of struggle, survival, discovery, and friendship.

In summary, 'The Aeronauts' is a historical thrill ride that amalgamates reality and fiction to construct this ambitious adventure beautifully. With its riveting narrative and strong performances, the film successfully combines elements of drama, action, and visual spectacle to create an exceptional cinematic experience.