Astronaut

Released on July 26, 2019, Astronaut is a poignant and heartwarming drama starring Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss. Directed by Shelagh McLeod, the film follows Angus Stewart, a lonely 75-year-old widower and retired civil engineer who has spent his entire life dreaming of space travel. When a billionaire philanthropist (Colm Feore) announces a national competition for a seat on the first commercial space flight, Angus enters despite his failing health and the skepticism of his family. Spurred on by his devoted grandson Barney, he fudges his age on the application and manages to make the final shortlist. The production is a mature reflection on aging and the enduring power of dreams, often drawing thematic comparisons to Dreyfuss's iconic role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Beyond the central quest for spaceflight, the narrative explores the deep bond between generations and the struggle for autonomy in later life. While the film captures the wonder of the cosmos, it remains grounded in the emotional reality of its characters, ultimately delivering a touching story about second chances and the importance of never truly giving up on the stars.