Watch Kepler's Dream

Kepler's Dream is a heartwarming family drama film from 2016, directed by Amy Glazer, that follows a young girl's journey to connect with her estranged grandmother and discover the truth about her family's past. The film stars Tailinh Agoyo as Ella, Isabella Blake-Thomas as her mother Amy, Ryan Jason Cook as her father Wes, and Holland Taylor as her grandmother Violet von Stern.

The story centers around Ella, a 11-year-old girl who loves astronomy and stargazing with her father, who works as a scientist at a NASA facility. However, her peaceful life is turned upside down when her mother falls sick with lupus and they must leave their home in Texas to go to New Mexico to live with her grandmother, whom Ella has never met. Violet is a wealthy and eccentric woman, who lives in a luxurious mansion and has a reputation for being difficult to handle. Their first encounter is awkward and tense, and Ella feels out of place in this new environment.

As she tries to adjust to her new life, Ella discovers a mysterious notebook hidden in her grandmother's library that belonged to her deceased grandfather, a famous astronomer named Kepler. The notebook contains clues and riddles that lead Ella on a journey to unlock the secrets of her family's past and reconnect with her mother. Along the way, she befriends Miguel, a kind-hearted boy who helps her decipher the notebook and navigate the challenges of her new surroundings.

The film explores themes of family, love, loss, and resilience, as Ella learns to confront her fears and find her own voice. She discovers that her grandmother isn't as cold as she seems and that she has a shared passion for astronomy with her. Violet becomes a mentor and role model for Ella, teaching her life lessons and encouraging her to pursue her dreams. Ella's relationship with her mother also evolves, as they confront their own demons and learn to communicate openly and honestly. Ryan Jason Cook's portrayal of Ella's father, a committed and loving parent who provides stability and support to his daughter, is another highlight of the film.

The cinematography by Harris Done captures the natural beauty of the New Mexico landscape and creates a sense of wonder and magic that is fitting for a story about astronomy and adventure. The film also features an original score composed by David Raiklen, which adds to the emotional depth and tone of the film.

Overall, Kepler's Dream is a charming and uplifting film that celebrates the power of imagination and the importance of family. It is a film that both adults and children can enjoy and relate to, with its strong performances, beautiful visuals, and engaging storyline. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and love, and that family is the greatest source of strength and inspiration.

Kepler's Dream is a 2017 drama 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 6.2.