Watch Seat 25

"Seat 25" is a thought-provoking science fiction movie that explores the consequences of a one-way ticket to Mars. The movie stars Kate Ashfield as a woman named Faye Banks who wins a seat on the first manned mission to Mars. However, there's a catch: the ticket is a one-way trip, and Faye will never be able to return to Earth. Her journey is tracked by the media and her family, who struggle to support her decision as Faye prepares to leave everything behind.

The movie takes place in a near-future world that's technologically advanced but fraught with resource depletion and societal instability. Faye's decision to leave Earth for Mars is viewed as a way to start afresh, to escape the problems of her life and the world. However, as the days count down to her departure, Faye begins to question her decision and the challenges she'll face on Mars.

"Seat 25" is not your typical science fiction movie. It doesn't rely on flashy special effects or alien invasions to tell its story. Instead, the movie focuses on the human experience of space travel and the impact it has on those who take the risk. Through Faye's eyes, we witness the joys and pains of being part of a pioneering mission, as well as the sacrifices that must be made.

The story is driven by Faye's personal journey, as she grapples with leaving her life on Earth for a mission whose outcome is uncertain. Her family and friends are mere bystanders as Faye tries to make sense of her decision and the consequences that will follow. The movie does a great job of showing the ripple effect of Faye's decision, from the strain on her relationship with her husband to the media scrutiny she faces.

The movie's pacing is slow and deliberate, with the camera often lingering on small details and interactions. It's a stark contrast to the fast-paced action movies that dominate the science fiction genre, but it's a deliberate choice that serves to enhance the movie's themes. The movie also has a subdued color palette that adds to its contemplative mood.

The acting in "Seat 25" is superb, with Kate Ashfield delivering a nuanced performance as Faye. She's a flawed character who struggles with her decision and the toll it takes on her relationships. The supporting cast, which includes Nicholas Banks and Daniel Brennan, are also excellent in their roles.

One of the strengths of the movie is the attention given to the technical details of space travel. The movie's depiction of life on a spacecraft is both realistic and captivating, with no detail spared in its portrayal. The use of sound is particularly effective in conveying the soundscape of space travel, from the whirring of machinery to the silence of deep space.

Overall, "Seat 25" is a smart and introspective science fiction movie that's sure to appeal to fans of the genre. Its exploration of the human experience of space travel is both engrossing and thought-provoking, and the movie's attention to detail adds to its realism. While it may not be a movie for everyone, those who appreciate slow-paced character-driven films will find much to enjoy.

Seat 25 is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.