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Jess Varley's The Astronaut is a compact and effective slice of sci-fi horror, shining brightest when it leans into mood and mystery. At first it feels familiar, but just when you think you have it figured out, the film pulls the rug from under you.
Kate Mara is the standout, giving Sam Walker real emotional depth. She captures both the resilience of an astronaut and the fragility of someone slowly unraveling. As Sam begins seeing impossible things and her body changes, Mara keeps it understated, letting the fear simmer quietly beneath the surface, which makes it all the more unsettling.
The story moves briskly. Clocking in at just under ninety minutes, it never outstays its welcome. From the moment Sam wakes in quarantine, the tension steadily builds, sliding from oddity to genuine terror. The twist lands perfectly, catching even seasoned viewers off guard in the most satisfying way.
Laurence Fishburne brings authority as General Harris, though it is a shame he appears so late. His presence adds weight and steadies the film where the early scenes feel slightly light. Gabriel Luna and Ivana Miličević provide solid support, but this is very much Mara’s story.
The title can be misleading. Despite being called The Astronaut, the film never leaves Earth, unfolding almost entirely around the isolated house where Sam is monitored. The confined setting heightens the tension but also makes the story feel smaller. Budget limitations show occasionally, with some effects and creature moments falling short.
Still, there is much to admire. Varley focuses on atmosphere rather than spectacle, using silence, shadows and suggestion to craft unease. The tone is pleasantly old-fashioned, leaning more towards The X-Files than Alien.
The Astronaut won’t redefine sci-fi horror, but it is a confident, tightly crafted film with a clever twist and a remarkable lead performance. A smart, tense, and surprisingly gripping story, earning a solid 7 out of 10.
Out Now - https://apple.co/47EgvuA
