The Astronaut (2023)

I really liked the underlying sentiment to this film. It takes one of the most complex of scientific subjects and humanises it. This is not a film about gizmos and gadgets, there is precious little (if any) CGI. It is all essentially a love story. Not between two people, but between "Jim" (Nicolas Giraud) and his passion - going into space. His character is normal, poorly funded and maybe not the best at collaborating, but as he and "Alexandre" (Mathieu Kassovitz) gradually start to realise that the unattainable might, actually, be attainable then they - alongside what can only be described as a truly collegiate community effort - strive to try to make it work. I know absolutely nothing about rocket science, so I cannot comment with any authority on the science that underpins this, but the whole thing has a genuine authenticity to it. It's fun. Thats not meant to sound trite - it's not a laugh-a-minute; it's a story about people who galvanise each other and share in the goal - even if they haven't really much clue what's going on. Hélène Vincent turns in a strong performance as the long-suffering "Odette" and a generally engaging ensemble cast contribute well to something here that is enjoyable to watch and that ought to send a clear signal to Hollywood (and elsewhere) that it's not all about the money and the visual effects - but about the strength of the writing and the characterisation. Maybe don't show it to your kids, though, or your garden may quickly turn into "Mos Eisley" spaceport!