The Space Between Us (2017) Review: A Heartfelt Space Adventure with an Earthly Twist
Introduction
“The Space Between Us” (2017), directed by Peter Chelsom and starring Asa Butterfield, Britt Robertson, and Gary Oldman, is a unique blend of science fiction and coming-of-age drama. Set against the backdrop of a futuristic Mars colony, the film explores themes of love, identity, and the human connection across interplanetary boundaries. With its charming performances and emotional storytelling, “The Space Between Us” offers a touching narrative about the search for belonging and the power of human connection.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, themes, and performances, and provide information on where you can stream or purchase “The Space Between Us” online in the U.S.
Plot Overview
“The Space Between Us” follows Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield), the first human born on Mars. Raised by a team of astronauts in the Red Planet’s harsh environment, Gardner has always dreamed of exploring Earth, a world he has only known through digital communication and stories.
When Gardner reaches the age of 16, he embarks on a journey to Earth, driven by his desire to find his biological father and discover more about his own origins. However, his transition to Earth’s gravity presents significant health challenges, as his body has adapted to the low-gravity environment of Mars. Gardner’s quest leads him to meet Tulsa (Britt Robertson), a teenage girl with whom he forms a deep and meaningful connection.
As Gardner and Tulsa navigate their budding relationship, they must confront the challenges of Gardner’s health, the secrets surrounding his birth, and the complexities of adjusting to life on Earth. The film’s narrative blends elements of romance, adventure, and personal discovery, creating an engaging and emotionally resonant story.
Themes and Emotional Impact
“The Space Between Us” explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for human connection. The film’s focus on Gardner’s journey to discover his roots and find his place in the world highlights the universal desire for connection and understanding.
The emotional impact of the film is enhanced by its exploration of Gardner’s struggle to adapt to life on Earth and the challenges he faces in building a meaningful relationship with Tulsa. The film’s portrayal of Gardner’s vulnerability and resilience adds depth to its narrative and provides a touching examination of personal growth and discovery.
The film also addresses themes of family and identity, as Gardner’s quest to find his father and understand his origins drives much of the narrative. The dynamic between Gardner and Tulsa adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story, highlighting the power of love and human connection in overcoming obstacles.
Performances and Direction
Asa Butterfield delivers a heartfelt performance as Gardner Elliot, capturing the character’s curiosity, vulnerability, and determination. Butterfield’s portrayal brings authenticity to Gardner’s journey and provides a strong emotional core to the film.
Britt Robertson provides a compelling performance as Tulsa, bringing warmth and depth to her character. Robertson’s portrayal of Tulsa’s relationship with Gardner adds an emotional dimension to the film and complements Butterfield’s performance.
Gary Oldman delivers a notable supporting performance as Nathaniel Shepherd, the head of the mission to Mars and Gardner’s guardian. Oldman’s portrayal adds a layer of gravitas and authority to the film’s narrative.
Peter Chelsom’s direction is effective in blending the film’s science fiction elements with its emotional and romantic themes. Chelsom’s approach to storytelling creates a visually engaging and emotionally resonant experience, capturing the film’s blend of adventure and personal discovery.
The screenplay, written by Allan Loeb, is engaging and heartfelt. The dialogue and character development support the film’s themes and contribute to its overall emotional impact. The script’s focus on character-driven moments adds depth to the film’s narrative and enhances its emotional resonance.
Cinematography and Music
The cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos enhances the film’s visual appeal, particularly in its depiction of Mars and the contrast between the Martian landscape and Earth. Zambarloukos’s use of color and composition adds to the film’s sense of wonder and exploration.
The film’s score, composed by Andrew Lockington, adds to its emotional depth and atmosphere. Lockington’s music reinforces the film’s themes of adventure and romance, contributing to the overall viewing experience.
Where to Watch “The Space Between Us” Online in the U.S.
For those interested in watching “The Space Between Us,” several streaming services and platforms in the United States offer the film for streaming, rental, or purchase:
Streaming Services:
- Hulu: “The Space Between Us” is available to stream with a Hulu subscription. It is part of Hulu’s library of films and series.
- Amazon Prime Video: The film can be streamed with an Amazon Prime subscription. It may also be available for rent or purchase directly on the platform.
Rental and Purchase Options:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent “The Space Between Us” in HD for approximately $3.99 or purchase it for around $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play, with rental options starting at $3.99 and purchase prices around $14.99.
- Apple iTunes: On iTunes, “The Space Between Us” can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $14.99. The film is available in HD, with the option to download for offline viewing.
- Vudu: Vudu offers both rental and purchase options for “The Space Between Us,” with similar pricing to other platforms. The film supports HDX viewing for high-quality playback.
Conclusion
“The Space Between Us” (2017) is a heartfelt and imaginative film that combines science fiction with emotional storytelling. With its engaging performances, touching narrative, and visually captivating depiction of Mars and Earth, the film offers a unique and resonant cinematic experience.
Whether you are drawn to its exploration of human connection, its blend of romance and adventure, or its portrayal of personal discovery, “The Space Between Us” provides a compelling and emotional viewing experience. With various streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to access this touching film and enjoy its blend of science fiction and heartfelt drama.
