The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us is a thought-provoking, emotional, and compelling science fiction motion picture from 2017 that melds elements of drama, romance, and adventure. The film, directed by Peter Chelsom, flaunts an impressive ensemble that includes celebrated actor Gary Oldman, the talented Asa Butterfield, and the remarkable Carla Gugino.

The story revolves around a boy named Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield) who has the unique claim to being the first human born on Mars. Garner’s unusual inception transpires after a group of scientists, led by visionary aerospace magnate Nathaniel Shepard (Gary Oldman), decide to establish a colony on Mars—a new frontier for human civilization. However, in a twist of fate, astronaut Sarah Elliot (Janet Montgomery) discovers she is pregnant after embarkation, and gives birth to Gardner on Mars, dying due to complications in the process.

Raised in isolation against the alien landscape of Mars, Gardner's upbringing is anything but ordinary. His solitary existence on the red planet, under the guidance of astronaut and surrogate mother Kendra Wyndham (Carla Gugino), is filled with unabating curiosity about Earth, wonderment about his unknown father, and a longing for real human connection.

Gardner’s only link to earth, and to someone his age, is his online connection with a street-savvy girl from Colorado named Tulsa (Britt Robertson). Despite living in two drastically disparate environments and having contrasting lives, they manage to create an unusual friendship filled with shared dreams and mutual longing for connection. Their online communication usually poses more questions than answers, captivating Gardner with visions of a world he's never known while sparking Tulsa's desire for a life beyond her mundane existence.

Ambitiously, Gardner ventures to Earth, a planet he has only dreamed of and encountered in borrowed stories and digital communication. He carries one other secret quest, to seek his father, whose identity has remained a mystery throughout his life. However, scientists back on earth are concerned about Gardner's ability to adapt to Earth's atmosphere after spending his life on Mars, a concern that soon evolves into a race against time.

The Space Between Us artfully combines the epic scale of space exploration with a deeply personal coming of age story. The core narrative poses interesting questions about human exploration, survival on another planet, and the often-complicated world of human relationships. It is a tale of connection, the human propensity to explore, and the desire for emotional bonds. It is also about Gardner's quest - a search for his identity, his place in the universe, and the exploration of a world he has only seen from miles away in space.

The performances throughout the film are very engaging. Asa Butterfield as Gardner is authentic and compelling, convincingly narrating the inquisitive and innocent Martian boy's journey of self-discovery. His on-screen chemistry with Britt Robertson is both complex and heartwarming, bringing sincerity and depth to their unusual relationship.

Meanwhile, Gary Oldman, who is known for his assorted and often intense roles, takes a different stride as Nathaniel Shepard. His character is layered with burden, remorse, and an undying longing for exploring uncharted territories. Acclaimed actress, Carla Gugino lends strong support with her emotional and solid performance as Kendra, Gardner's surrogate mother.

The film isn’t just about its moving narrative, as it also boasts some truly impressive visuals and infuses wonderful science fiction elements. The depiction of Mars is incredibly vivid, and the repeated contrast between the barren expanses of Mars and the vibrant greenery of Earth serves as potent metaphoric imagery.

The Space Between Us uniquely fuses science fiction and romance, inviting the audience to ponder profound questions about humanity's future, our innate desire for exploration, and the intrinsic need for emotional bonds. Ultimately, The Space Between Us is an intimate human story meticulously nestled within the grandeur of the cosmos—a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the innate human desire to seek connections, no matter the space between us.