Science fiction is a genre for explorers, for the great imaginers of the vast beyond—the not-yet-existent, the possibilities waiting to emerge. As Ray Bradbury once remarked, “In science fiction, we dream. In order to colonize in space, to rebuild our cities, which are so far out of whack, to tackle any number of problems, we must imagine the future, including the new technologies that are required.”
When invited to feast at the buffet of science fiction, where a creative mind has laid out a table of possibilities that expand and challenge our individual visions, it is exhilarating. That was the energy I carried with me as I sat down to watch the 2025 science fiction film The Astronaut.
A Return Home That Feels All Wrong
The film’s title is straightforward, leaving little room for guesswork about its premise. As the name suggests, it centers on an astronaut. We meet her after she returns from a mission, disoriented and understandably subjected to tests and surveillance to ensure that everything is normal.
She agrees to the process. After all, her father, a military officer, supports it and promises to make things as smooth as possible. So she isolates herself from the outside world, including her small family—her husband and daughter. At first, she accepts the arrangement, but before long, something begins to feel wrong. The longer she remains in isolation, the more terrifying her reality becomes. Soon, her goal shifts from recovery to uncovering what is happening to her and why she has become the focus of it all.
Questions That Linger Beneath the Surface
Director Jess Varley explores a concept that feels familiar but approaches it from an angle that still manages to intrigue. The film asks unsettling questions: What if the people we live alongside are not who we think they are? What if someone’s nightmares are more than dreams? What if everything you thought you knew about yourself was a lie?
Those are compelling ideas, and the film gets mileage out of them.
Its use of misdirection works particularly well. The non-linear structure keeps viewers off balance, leading them toward one conclusion before gradually revealing another reality underneath. As Bonlanle Media notes,
“This approach can intensify emotional impact, like when a scene that initially seems innocent takes on a whole new meaning when viewed later in context. By revealing information in unexpected ways, non-linear storytelling keeps the audience guessing, heightens dramatic tension, and encourages viewers to pay closer attention to every detail.”
That dynamic works in the film’s favor. The eventual reveal is interesting, though it raises more questions than it answers. Whether that ambiguity is intentional or not is difficult to tell.
Strong Performances Carry the Story
The acting is solid throughout. The two central characters are Captain Sam Walker, portrayed by Kate Mara, and General William Harris, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne. Both performers bring years of experience to the table, and neither is a stranger to science fiction or psychological thrillers.
Their familiarity with the genre helps ground the story, particularly during its quieter, more suspense-driven moments. Gabriel Luna also contributes to the emotional core of the film as Sam’s husband. (Hulu)
A Slow Burn With More Atmosphere Than Answers
At an hour and a half, the film takes its time building tension, which means viewers may need patience during some of its slower stretches. Fortunately, the atmosphere remains strong enough to sustain interest. The film leans heavily into paranoia, uncertainty, and isolation, creating an uneasy mood even when very little is happening. Several viewers have noted that the film works best as a slow-burning psychological thriller rather than a full-scale horror experience. (Reddit)
Final Thoughts
The Astronaut is a decent time filler and falls comfortably into middle-of-the-road territory. It is not a groundbreaking entry into the genre, but it does offer enough tension, intrigue, and thought-provoking ideas to make it worth a watch.
For those who have not yet seen it, the film is currently streaming on Hulu.
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