When The Aeronauts lifts off the ground, the film from Tom Harper truly does take off. Down on ground-level, everything is a bit more sour than soar though. Benefitting from some breathtaking visual effects and a capable pair of leads in Felicity Jones (excellent here) and Eddie Redmayne, The Aeronauts can be a thrilling mid-air adventure to the highest reaches of the atmosphere that’s weighed down by its commonplace dramatic packaging. Jones plays hotshot hot-air balloon pilot Amelia Wren, who is trying to break the height world record accompanied by scientist/proto-meteorologist James Glashier (Redmayne) out to prove that weather can be studied and predicted. Harper proves more than capable of staging invariably tense sequences where life and death hang in the balance, and his crisp direction gets notably better the higher off the ground their balloon gets. If only he could have found more balance in mixing the grounded drama with the high-flying hijinx. Thankfully, Jones gives it her all, making the venture a worthwhile ascend, if one you don’t need to rush out to catch. (C+)
-
By: Matt Oakes
▶ Streaming on Prime Video. More picks: The Best Movies on Prime Video Right Now →
Started blogging about film in college when the university paper wouldn’t have him. Dislikes your consensus film Twitter favorites. Devotee of horror movies that make him die a little inside. Catches films at festivals when he can. Proud SFCS and OFCS member and Tomatometer-approved critic. Editor-in-chief of Silver Screen Riot.
-
-
Every Martin McDonagh Movie, Ranked
The Best Modern Horror Comedies
Mike Flanagan Movies and Shows, Ranked
Pawlikowski’s ‘FATHERLAND’ Is a Handsome Snooze
Guillermo del Toro Movies, Ranked
Monthly(ish): the best reviews, the worst studio decisions, and the films worth losing sleep over.
Free. Delivered by Substack. Unsubscribe anytime.
For more reviews, interviews, and featured articles, be sure to:
Follow Silver Screen Riot on Letterboxd
Follow Silver Screen Riot on Facebook
Follow Silver Screen Riot on X
