Astronaut (2019 film)
Astronaut is a 2019 Canadian drama film directed by Shelagh McLeod, in her feature directorial debut. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss as Angus, a widowed, lonely civil engineer who unexpectedly wins a lottery for a trip to space.
Plot Summary: Angus, nearing the end of his life, struggles with his health and feelings of isolation. He lives near his daughter, Molly (Lyriq Bent), and his grandson, Barney (Kodai Beishu), but yearns for something more. When he secretly enters a competition for a free trip to space offered by a wealthy benefactor (Colm Feore), he surprisingly wins. Despite concerns about his age and physical condition, Angus is determined to pursue his lifelong dream of going to space. He undergoes rigorous physical and mental training, confronting his limitations and inspiring those around him, especially Barney.
Cast:
- Richard Dreyfuss as Angus
- Lyriq Bent as Molly
- Kodai Beishu as Barney
- Colm Feore as Marcus Brown
- Jennifer Robertson as Beth
- Krista Bridges as Trish
Production: The film was shot primarily in Ontario, Canada.
Reception: Astronaut received mixed to positive reviews, with praise directed towards Dreyfuss's performance and the film's heartwarming themes of pursuing dreams and overcoming obstacles. Some critics found the plot predictable.
Themes: The film explores themes of aging, mortality, family relationships, the importance of pursuing dreams regardless of age, and the enduring human fascination with space exploration.