MOVIE REVIEW
Space: The Longest Goodbye
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Ido Mizrahy
Where To Watch: premieres on Independent Lens on PBS May 6, 2024; watch on the PBS App starting at 10/9c; for more information, visit www.pbs.org

RAVING REVIEW: To infinity and… SPACE: THE LONGEST GOODBYE takes us on an emotional and psychological odyssey as we dive into the possibility of astronauts preparing for a mission to Mars. Under the direction of Ido Mizrahy, the film delves into both the personal trials and the immense challenges of space travel, creating a touching and awe-inspiring narrative.

SPACE: THE LONGEST GOODBYE explores astronauts' deep psychological pressures during long-term space missions. The documentary highlights their professional hurdles and intense emotional engagements that underscore their journeys to Mars.

Dr. Al Holland, a NASA psychologist dedicated to ensuring the astronauts' mental well-being, is one of the core elements of the film's narrative. His meticulous preparation for the cognitive challenges posed by space travel—profound isolation and the disruption of communication with Earth—is portrayed with deep insight and compassion. This focus is pivotal in revealing the daunting psychological landscape the astronauts must navigate.

Mizrahy's narrative captures the personal sacrifices and professional endeavors of astronauts like Kayla Barron and Matthias Maurer, along with the poignant reflections of former astronaut Cady Coleman. Their stories of striving to maintain connections with loved ones despite the vast distances bring a profoundly human element to the starkness of space travel.

In SPACE: THE LONGEST GOODBYE, technological advancements such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence are more than just gadgets we contemplate; they are lifelines that help mitigate the isolation experienced by astronauts. These technologies are integrated into examining how we may accomplish these journies, enriching the narrative and providing a grounded perspective on the astronauts' experiences.

Mizrahy's film maintains a delicate equilibrium, appreciating the technological strides in space exploration while keeping the astronauts' personal experiences in sharp focus. This balanced approach makes the film engaging for a broad audience. Adding personal narratives, especially those involving Cady Coleman and her efforts to bridge the immense physical gap between space and home, makes the film something that most people can connect to. These stories underline the individual costs and emotional investments required by space missions, starkly contrasting the grandiosity of space travel.

SPACE: THE LONGEST GOODBYE also addresses broader questions about space exploration's implications. It challenges viewers to consider the balance between the pursuit of new frontiers and the need to maintain personal connections. These themes are particularly relevant today, where technological advances often bring complex social and emotional challenges. While the film doesn’t touch on it, a mission to Mars is just step one (technically two, as a return to the moon is step one), but the larger question remains: what happens when we travel beyond the red planet and its three-year mission?

The documentary concludes with a strong emphasis on the importance of mental health and human connections, which is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. SPACE: THE LONGEST GOODBYE is a compelling and insightful documentary that bridges the gap between the vast unknowns of space and the intricate dynamics of emotions. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in the future of space exploration or the enduring strength of the human spirit, providing a profound reminder of the boundless mysteries of the cosmos intertwined with the depth of human emotion.

#LongestGoodbyePBS

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[photo courtesy of INDEPENDENT LENS, PBS, ITVS]

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