More than just a space film

Rating: 8/10 (26 October 2018)

There have been plenty of space program movies already, so it is fair to wonder why we need another one. Couldn't we just watch Apollo 13 or The Right Stuff again? Yes, we could. But this movie proves that these stories can still be compelling. And maybe even more personal than ever before. This isn't just another space film. It is the story of Neil Armstrong specifically - his drive, his losses, his relationships. There may have been space movies that are more majestic or thrilling, but the stakes have never felt this high. From the very first moment, you see everything through that personal lens: the shaky fear, the quiet desperation, the nervous anticipation. Chazelle knows how to tell a story. This plot may be super familiar, but I have never hung on each moment like I did this time. I couldn't help but care, even though I knew exactly what was coming next. The great acting and great directing made it worth going back to the moon again.