Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Body horror doesn't get too gross in tense alien thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Astronaut
What's the Story?
THE ASTRONAUT follows astronaut Capt. Sam Walker (Kate Mara), who splashes down in her capsule unconscious, her helmet broken, with no memory of what occurred. During her quarantined medical recovery period, she hides lingering issues, like hallucinations and nightmares that an extraterrestrial has followed her back to Earth. Fellow astronaut/best friend Val (Macy Gray) advises Sam to downplay her symptoms for medical personnel, including the chief doctor (Ivana Milicevic) assigned to monitor Sam's recovery. Also along for the ride are Sam's stay-at-home-dad husband, Mark (Gabriel Luna), and her adoptive father, Gen. William Harris (Laurence Fishburne).
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Jess Varley delivers an engrossing, intriguing "after space" story that's only really weighed down by some low-orbit visual effects. Teens are fairly sophisticated when it comes to their expectations for computer-generated effects, and while The Astronaut sometimes hits the mark, when viewers finally get a clear look at the alien Sam believes is tracking her, it's underwhelming. (Fortunately, that reveal doesn't come until the final stretch.) That said, with iffy content limited to occasional swearing and one icky body-horror moment that will have many people shielding their eyes and "ewwwing" in horrified disgust, this is a thriller that most parents will find mission-approved for teen movie nights and sleepovers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Astronaut depicts NASA's mandated 45-day post-flight rehabilitation program. Why is this necessary? Which of Sam's post-space side effects are authentic to the actual astronaut experience?
What do you believe about extraterrestrials? If you think they exist, do you think they're likely to be friends, or foes? How does this film's approach to aliens compare to that of other films you've seen?
How does The Astronaut compare to other "trapped in a house"-style thrillers? What are the filmmaking advantages of this kind of setup? What are the advantages for viewers?
What role do gender and race play in the movie, in terms of careers and parenting? Why is it important to show diverse characters as capable, confident, and skilled in a variety of professions and family roles?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 17, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : October 17, 2025
- Cast : Kate Mara , Laurence Fishburne , Gabriel Luna
- Director : Jess Varley
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Aliens , Family Stories
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 25, 2025
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