The Astronaut: Kate Mara's Sci-Fi Thriller Takes Flight

Kate Mara returns to space in "The Astronaut," a new sci-fi horror thriller that's sending shivers down spines and prompting lots of talk about its central mystery. Get ready for a tense, isolated journey!

TL;DR: Quick Takes on "The Astronaut"

Kate Mara stars as Captain Sam Walker, an astronaut whose bizarre experiences after returning from space hint at something extraterrestrial.
The film blends sci-fi, horror, and psychological thriller elements, promising a slow-burn, atmospheric ride.
Directed and written by Jess Varley, it features a strong supporting cast including Laurence Fishburne and Gabriel Luna, hitting select theaters and On Demand on October 17, 2025.

A Mysterious Homecoming for Captain Sam Walker

"The Astronaut" kicks off with a bang – or rather, a terrifying splashdown. Kate Mara plays Captain Sam Walker, who's just completed her first mission into the vast unknown of space. But her return to Earth is anything but smooth. Emergency teams find her capsule damaged, her space helmet shattered, and Sam herself unconscious. It's a miracle she even survived, and that's just the beginning of the mystery.

As part of NASA's protocol, Sam is whisked away to an isolated, yet surprisingly lavish, modern house in Virginia for quarantine. The idea is to observe her for any physical or mental changes after her ordeal. This isn't your typical medical facility, though; it feels more like a setting for a cozy rom-com than a sci-fi thriller, which just adds to the eerie vibe when things start getting weird.

Unsettling Symptoms and Growing Paranoia After the Mission

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Sam tries to convince everyone – from her adoptive father, General William Harris (played by the ever-commanding Laurence Fishburne), to her estranged husband Mark (Gabriel Luna) and their adorable daughter Izzy (Scarlett Holmes) – that she's perfectly fine. But it quickly becomes clear that she's anything but. She's plagued by piercing headaches, a constant ringing in her ears, and fuzzy, disorienting flashbacks of her mission. A strange, gray rash begins to spread on her hand, and she even starts seeing bizarre things, like eggs floating in the air.

Initially, Sam fears she might be losing her mind, and she keeps these terrifying symptoms a secret. Why? Because the last thing an astronaut wants is to be grounded permanently. However, when the strange occurrences escalate, with mysterious things appearing around the house and her high-tech security system detecting unseen entities, Sam's fear shifts. Now, she suspects something—or someone—might have hitched a ride back from space with her.

The Stellar Cast and Creative Minds Behind the Camera

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While Kate Mara carries much of the film as the increasingly beleaguered Sam, she's backed by a talented ensemble. Laurence Fishburne brings his gravitas to the role of General William Harris, Sam's protective (but perhaps too unconcerned) adoptive father. Gabriel Luna plays Mark, Sam's estranged husband, and Scarlett Holmes is their young daughter, Izzy, representing Sam's tug-of-war between family and her cosmic ambitions. You'll also spot Ivana Milicevic as Dr. Michelle Aiden and Macy Gray as Val, Sam's astronaut friend who gives some rather questionable (but understandable) advice about keeping quiet to stay in the mission rotation.

"The Astronaut" marks the solo directorial debut for Jess Varley, who also penned the screenplay. Reviewers generally praise Varley's stylish approach and her ability to build tension, especially in the film's first half. She previously directed segments for the 2021 horror anthology "Phobias" and shows a knack for selling a familiar premise with strong visuals and effective sound design. Brad Fuller, known for producing hits like "A Quiet Place" and "The Purge" franchises, is among the film's producers, adding a solid genre pedigree.

A Genre-Bending Exploration of Sci-Fi, Horror, and Paranoia

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This movie isn't content to stick to just one lane. It's pitched as a sci-fi/horror/paranoid thriller hybrid, weaving elements familiar to fans of all three genres. You'll find echoes of classic space horror, psychological mysteries, and even some "haunted house" tropes thrown in for good measure. The film successfully creates an unsettling atmosphere, benefiting greatly from its trippy sound design and the sleek, isolated setting of the quarantine house. It even manages a few genuine "BOO!" moments to keep you on edge.

The story focuses heavily on Sam's deteriorating mental and physical state, as Mara does an excellent job portraying her character's descent from resourceful astronaut to utter terror. The isolation is a key theme, amplifying Sam's need for validation and her struggle to reconcile her experiences with her desire to return to space.

Unpacking the Anticipated Twist and Critical Reception

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Many critics agree that "The Astronaut" builds steadily towards a major twist. While some found the first half "certainly watchable" and praised Varley's direction and Mara's performance, the consensus leans towards the reveal being less than mind-blowing. Reviewers often found the twist predictable, with many viewers likely to "twig to it fairly early on." One critic even noted it felt "awkwardly reverse-engineered from the twist."

The film has been compared to everything from "Alien" meets "E.T." to the Apple TV+ series "Constellation." While the slow-burn approach works for a while, some felt it "sputtered out," leading to a rushed finale that "fails to inspire the overwhelming emotional impact it was clearly intended to evoke." Despite the script's third-act faltering, Mara's committed performance is consistently highlighted as a strength, providing the dramatic weight the film needs.

So, should you watch it? If you're a fan of atmospheric, character-driven sci-fi thrillers and enjoy movies that keep you guessing (even if you guess correctly), "The Astronaut" might be worth checking out. Just manage your expectations for a revolutionary twist.

"When I read the script, I was so surprised by a lot of where the story goes... It felt different than what I had done before."

— Kate Mara, speaking to PopCulture.com

When and Where to Catch "The Astronaut" in 2025

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"The Astronaut" is set to land in select theaters and become available On Demand starting October 17, 2025. This makes it a perfect pick for spooky season, offering a cosmic horror vibe right when you're looking for chills. With a runtime of approximately 90-91 minutes, it's a relatively tight watch that aims to keep you on the edge of your seat from splashdown to its final, divisive reveal. It's rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements, making it accessible to a wider audience looking for a thrilling experience without extreme gore.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Astronaut" When is "The Astronaut" released? "The Astronaut" will be released in select theaters and On Demand on October 17, 2025. Who directed "The Astronaut" movie? The film is directed and written by Jess Varley, marking her solo directorial debut for a feature film. Is "The Astronaut" streaming? Yes, "The Astronaut" will be available On Demand starting October 17, 2025, in addition to its theatrical release. What is "The Astronaut" rated and how long is it? "The Astronaut" is rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements. Its runtime is approximately 90-91 minutes. Sources