AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

THE AERONAUTS

Adventure. Set in 1862 England and loosely based on real events, this film is centred on wealthy young widow and balloon pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones from Rogue One) and pioneering meteorologist James Glaisher (Fantastic Beasts’ Eddie Redmayne), who try to make history. Together they set off to fly a gas balloon higher than anyone before, with James taking atmospheric notes to prove that weather can be predicted.

Redmayne’s usual mumbling, bashfulness and head-tilting performance are overshadowed by Jones’ charismatic portrayal of Amelia.

Based on Sophie Blanchard – the first woman to work as a professional balloonist – she boldly challenges the patriarchy by stepping outside Victorian-era gender roles while saving their lives and completdescent, ing the mission with acumen and courage. One of the most thrilling moments comes when Amelia climbs to the top of the balloon to break ice that’s hindering their theatrically using her heel to break a symbolic glass ceiling.

But the true star of the movie is the giant 19th-century balloon. At 24m tall, this majestic piece of science adds to the viewer’s sense of wonder. Against the backdrop of breathtaking vistas and the nerve-racking inner sanctum of a storm, the balloon conveys beauty, power, weakness and triumph.

With inspiring characters, a captivating story and spectacular visual effects, this should be seen on the biggest screen you can find! 2019. 100 MIN. 13VL.