Watch Approaching the Unknown

Approaching the Unknown is a 2016 science-fiction drama film that tells the story of an astronaut named William D. Stanaforth (Mark Strong). He is on his way to a one-way mission to Mars, leaving Earth and his past behind. The movie follows his journey as he faces numerous challenges and obstacles that push him to his limits. William is a man who has always been driven by his passion for space exploration. He sees this mission as his opportunity to realize his dream of becoming the first person to set foot on Mars. However, as he gets closer to the red planet, he begins to experience a series of catastrophic events that threaten his return journey.

Despite the numerous setbacks he encounters, William remains steadfast in his mission. He is determined to complete the journey, even if that means sacrificing himself. His unwavering dedication to the mission is both admirable and at times, reckless.

As William journeys further into space, he realizes that he is not entirely alone. His only companion is a robotic assistant named Arthur (voiced by Luke Wilson). The conversations William has with Arthur provide viewers with insight into his innermost thoughts, desires, and fears. Arthur is a comforting presence for William, but as the mission progresses, the limitations of the robot's programming become clear.

Sanaa Lathan also appears in the film as a NASA psychologist named Emily, who helps William prepare for his mission. Emily is a crucial figure in the story as she provides support for William, as well as a human connection that he desperately craves. She remains in contact with William throughout his journey, offering him guidance and advice from Earth.

At its core, Approaching the Unknown is a story about what drives us as human beings. William's mission is not just about him but about the hope and possibility of exploring and discovering something beyond ourselves. It asks the question of whether pursuing a dream, no matter how difficult or dangerous, is worth the risks.

The film's visuals are stunning, and the direction by Mark Elijah Rosenberg is exceptional. The way he captures the isolation and the vast emptiness of space is hauntingly beautiful. The movie's score, composed by Paul Damian Hogan, complements the visuals perfectly; it is both ethereal and haunting.

Overall, Approaching the Unknown is a thought-provoking and emotional film that explores the human desire to explore the unknown. It is a well-crafted movie that is enhanced by the powerful performances of its cast, particularly Mark Strong. The film's themes of isolation, sacrifice, and perseverance will resonate with viewers, long after the credits have rolled.

Approaching the Unknown is a 2016 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9 and a MetaScore of 53.