Streaming tip: Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron discover a mysterious secret from space in this science fiction gem

The most interesting films to date have been made in the genre of soft science fiction, which mainly deals with philosophical or psychological themes – for example, let’s think back to ‘Gattaca’ or ‘K-PAX’, which focus more on the individual and the focus on human complexity than on spaceships or similar technical matters. “The Astronaut’s Wife” falls into the same category because it also focuses on human feelings. You will not find bombastic effects here, but you will find excellent acting from Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron and a compelling story about a dark secret from space. You can stream the film for little money on all major streaming platforms, including YouTube and Amazon Prime.

It’s all about this:

During a mission in space, a strange incident occurs that even NASA can’t quite explain. Involved are astronauts Spencer Armacost (Johnny Depp) and Alex Streck (Nick Cassavetes), who lose contact with the control center for two minutes. Once back on Earth, days pass before the men regain their senses. After resuming their normal lives with their families, Armacost’s colleague later dies mysteriously. Both received 24-hour medical care and there were no signs of abnormalities.

Spencer and his wife Jillian (Charlize Theron) plan a safe life from now on because of the risks astronauts face. They move to New York, where Spencer takes a new job. One day, the past and the unexplained incident in space catch up with the couple.

Beautifully staged

Nothing more about the story should be revealed at this point, as “The Astronaut’s Wife” is the kind of movie best not to read about in advance – even if die-hard science fiction fans will be quick to guess the direction the story takes is developing. .

But the ‘how’ is much more important here than the ‘what’: the production is unique and, to be honest, it’s not that easy to say why ‘The Astronaut’s Wife’ stands out from other films in this respect. Perhaps it’s the fact that the film contains a lot of subtle horror that is never overdone at any point. Instead, the horror that the woman has to go through breathes down the audience’s neck all the time, without it really becoming visible or tangible. This brings its own fascination when you get involved with it.

Unique appearance

There is also a cinematic look that gives the impression that designers were at work. Luxurious home furnishings and attractive light and shadow relationships ensure an increasingly impressive aesthetic. Special because the mystery thriller genre suggests rather dark and frightening images, but these are not neglected either. Usually, however, the emphasis is on elegance and sensuality, taken to a phenomenal aesthetic extreme in an intimate scene.

‘The Astronaut’s Wife’ does not rely on superficial shock effects, but rather lets the images speak for themselves – and the impressive performances of Depp and Theron. Most viewers will probably be able to smell the decisive twist in the story from miles away, but that is negligible given the overall impression. If you don’t know yet, you should definitely catch up on this much-unknown mystery gem!