What’s it rated? R
When? 2024
Where’s it showing? Multiple streaming platforms
Mikael Håfström (Evil, 1408, Escape Plan) directs this psychological sci-fi thriller about a trio of astronauts—Capt. Franks (Laurence Fishburne), John (Casey Affleck), and Nash (Tomer Capone)—on a mission to Saturn’s moon, Titan, that requires several chemically induced hibernation cycles on the multi-year journey. They awaken from stasis every 90 days to perform routine maintenance, communicate with Earth, and make sure the mission is proceeding accordingly. Unfortunately, the hibernation drugs can come with disorienting side effects.
Things get weird when John starts hearing his girlfriend Zoe’s (Emily Beecham) voice, and then sees her onboard. Meanwhile, the ship was damaged when the crew was asleep, and now Nash is questioning its ability to withstand the slingshot maneuver around Jupiter that will give the spacecraft the momentum it needs to reach its destination. Is a mutiny afoot?
Affleck turns in a gripping performance as John, and Fishburne exudes his patented gravitas. Through flashback, we learn about John and Zoe’s romance and preparation for the harrowing mission. There’s also an unexpected twist ending that spices things up. With a general atmosphere of dread and the inherent claustrophobia of being trapped in a hunk of metal hurtling through space, the tension is palpable. (108 min.) Δ
This article appears in Feb 6-16, 2025.