The highly anticipated Laurence Fishburne sci-fi thriller, The Astronaut, starring Kate Mara and Fishburne himself, is set for release in theaters on October 17. The film blends elements of horror and suspense, exploring unsettling events following a space mission gone awry.
Plot Overview Revealed in The Astronaut’s Trailer
The trailer introduces Sam Walker, played by Kate Mara, an astronaut whose maiden voyage into space ends with a catastrophic crash-landing on Earth. Rescued alive from a damaged capsule near the Atlantic coast, Walker is immediately quarantined under the close watch of NASA officials, including General William Harris. As she undergoes rehabilitation and testing, strange occurrences begin to manifest, suggesting that an unknown extraterrestrial presence may have accompanied her back home.
The emergence of mysterious bruises on Walker’s body and other eerie phenomena heighten the sense of dread and confusion surrounding her condition. The official synopsis highlights the escalating tension:
“When astronaut Sam Walker crash-lands back to Earth, she’s discovered alive in a punctured capsule off the Atlantic coast. General William Harris places her in quarantine under strict NASA surveillance for rehabilitation and testing,”
and continues,
“But as disturbing events escalate, she begins to fear that something extraterrestrial has followed her home.”
Behind the Scenes: Creative Vision and Cast Details
The Astronaut marks the writing and directorial debut of Jess Varley, who leads a talented cast including Gabriel Luna, Ivana Milicevic, Macy Gray, Scarlett Holmes, and of course, Laurence Fishburne. The production team features producers Brad Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, Chris Abernathy, and Cameron Fuller. Cinematography is handled by Dave Garbett, with music composed by Jacques Brautbar. Editing responsibilities are shared between Terel Gibson and Joel Griffen, contributing to the film’s tight 90-minute runtime.
Reception and Anticipated Impact
Following its world premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film & TV Festival, The Astronaut has generated mixed reactions, holding a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the divided reviews, the film’s intense atmosphere and exploration of isolation and fear in space travel underscore its serious tone. The involvement of Laurence Fishburne adds depth and intrigue, promising a gripping experience as audiences confront the unknown threats that space may bring back to Earth.
