MOVIE REVIEW
AstroNots
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Genre: Comedy, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 10m
Director(s): Andrew Seaton
Writer(s): Adam Dunn, Aaron Glenane
Cast: Aaron Glenane, Krew Boylan, Adam Dunn
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Aboard NASA's Ares 7, en route to Mars, Major Tom Collins (Adam Dunn) faces a critical dilemma when he discovers that his co-pilot, Abe (Aaron Glenane,) is a far more inexperience astronaut than he's supposed to be. ASTRONOTS skillfully navigates through this plot twist, weaving together a sharp comedic style with the intense stakes of a life-or-death scenario. This blend creates an engaging narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotions and trust, set against the vast backdrop of space exploration. Something is telling when a film that is only 10 minutes long can hit so powerfully with its dialogue! They managed to get across the film's plot and have an intricate back-and-forth that makes you more invested than you could imagine.

Directed by Andrew Seaton, ASTRONOTS has been a standout at film festivals, garnering accolades at both the St Kilda and Durban Film Festivals for its original storytelling and effective blending of genres. Glenane, as Abraham “Abe” Adams, brilliantly portrays a man caught between charm and sheer panic. Opposite him, Dunn's portrayal of Commander Thomas “Tom” Collins anchors the film with a mix of wit and gravitas, their on-screen dynamic reflecting a compelling blend of humor and serious thematic undertones.

Both characters reveal layers of complexity as the plot unfolds. Adams’ panicked yet cunning adaptations to unforeseen challenges offer a fascinating study of improvisation under pressure. Meanwhile, Collins exemplifies the seasoned astronaut archetype, yet his reactions to Abe's confession provide a rich exploration of leadership and trust in crises.

Seaton's direction in this dark “space comedy” expertly balances tension with humor, creating a tight, expansive narrative that suggests deeper explorations into the human psyche. The film's cinematography contributes to a visual style that amplifies the isolation and urgency of the narrative, enhancing the viewer's engagement with each scene.

Seaton’s adept tone manipulation through cinematographic techniques significantly heightens the narrative's tension. His close-ups capture the astronauts' intense emotions, while wide shots of the spacecraft emphasize their isolation. The contrast between the confined space inside and the vastness of the world around them adds a dramatic visual metaphor for the storyline.

The film weaves in themes of isolation and camaraderie, mirroring the vastness and emptiness of space with the depth of human connections. These themes highlight the paradox of proximity and distance, both physical and emotional that astronauts face. As the narrative progresses, it becomes a poignant commentary on the human condition, exploring how extreme circumstances can alter interpersonal dynamics and self-awareness. There is so much to like here that can be expanded on; while this works perfectly as a stand-alone short, there is ample room for growth in various directions.

ASTRONOTS reflects resilience and ingenuity, presenting a narrative that challenges viewers to think beyond the traditional confines of genre. It’s an essential viewing for anyone interested in cinema that pushes the boundaries and offers new perspectives on storytelling and the human condition.

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[photo courtesy of MINT FILMS]

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