![‘The Astronaut’ Review: Kate Mara Is Trapped in a Disappointing Sci-Fi Horror That Crashes to Earth [SXSW]](https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/13233357/the-astronaut-321845-kate-mara.jpg "‘The Astronaut’ Review: Kate Mara Is Trapped in a Disappointing Sci-Fi Horror That Crashes to Earth [SXSW]")
Space stories often dwell on the vast unknown of the cosmos, but sometimes the absolute terror comes when astronauts return home. The new trailer for Jess Varley’s “The Astronaut” suggests that survival in orbit may have been easy, as isolation, paranoia, and something not of this world creep into the atmosphere.
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The psychological sci-fi thriller stars Kate Mara as astronaut Sam Walker, discovered alive in a punctured capsule after crash-landing off the Atlantic coast. Confined to a strict NASA quarantine overseen by Laurence Fishburne’s General William Harris, Sam begins rehabilitation and testing—only to sense that her troubles didn’t stay in space. Disturbing phenomena escalate; she fears something extraterrestrial has followed her back to Earth.
The supporting cast includes Gabriel Luna, Ivana Milicevic, Macy Gray, and newcomer Scarlett Holmes. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival.
Written and directed by Jess Varley, “The Astronaut” is produced by Brad Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, Chris Abernathy, and Cameron Fuller.
“The Astronaut” opens in select theaters and on demand on October 17. Watch the first trailer below.
