Slingshot (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Mikael Håfström’s Slingshot (2024) enters the space-thriller genre with an intriguing premise but falters in its execution, leaving audiences stranded with a film that never quite achieves its potential. While visually arresting in parts and buoyed by a few strong performances, Slingshot is more of a cautionary tale about ambition that can’t quite take off. For those curious about where to stream Slingshot online or seeking a detailed review of the film’s strengths and shortcomings, this article will serve as a comprehensive guide.
The Premise: What Is Slingshot About?
In Slingshot, we follow the story of John (Casey Affleck), a groggy astronaut who wakes up aboard a small spacecraft, Odyssey 1. Along with two other crew members—Captain Franks (Laurence Fishburne) and Nash (Tomer Capone)—they are on a mission to Saturn’s moon, Titan, to collect essential resources for Earth’s survival. The crew enters hibernation periodically to survive the long voyage, but the psychological toll of isolation and space travel soon begins to weigh on them, blurring the line between reality and delusion.
As the movie unfolds, we realize that John is not just battling external threats like ship malfunctions and tension between crew members, but also his own mental instability. His frequent hallucinations of his lover, Zoe (Emily Beecham), heighten the film’s psychological tension. However, these moments of eerie introspection are never fully capitalized on, leaving the movie feeling more like a hollow genre exercise than a deep character study.
Acting and Direction: Lost in Space
Director Mikael Håfström, known for 1408 and Escape Plan, clearly attempts to elevate Slingshot with a dark, atmospheric approach. Unfortunately, while the film’s psychological undertones are initially intriguing, they become increasingly muddled as the story progresses. The slow pacing doesn’t help matters, and the tension that should arise from the isolation and deteriorating mental state of the characters feels undercooked.
Casey Affleck, an Academy Award winner, struggles to inject life into his role. His performance as John, though competent, lacks the depth we’ve come to expect from him in films like Manchester by the Sea. The script, co-written by Nathan Parker (Moon) and R. Scott Adams, doesn’t give Affleck much to work with, and his character’s gradual descent into madness is unconvincing and uninspired.
Laurence Fishburne, on the other hand, delivers a solid performance as Captain Franks. His natural gravitas adds much-needed weight to the film, and he commands attention whenever he’s on screen. Tomer Capone, best known for his role in The Boys, also does a commendable job with the material he’s given, but he too is ultimately hampered by the script’s lack of nuance and character development.
A Lack of Tension and Depth
While the concept of astronauts losing their grip on reality as they travel through the vast emptiness of space isn’t new, Slingshot does little to differentiate itself from its predecessors. Films like Moon and Solaris have tread similar territory, exploring themes of isolation, paranoia, and the fragility of the human mind in space. Yet, Slingshot doesn’t fully commit to these themes, leaving us with a film that feels shallow and meandering.
The pacing is a particular issue. Long stretches of the film are devoted to John’s hallucinations and memories of his relationship with Zoe. These scenes, while aiming to provide emotional weight, come across as forced and repetitive, with little payoff. The film’s slow burn would have been more effective if the characters were better developed or if the tension between the crew members was more palpable.
Instead, what we get is a film that moves from one predictable plot point to another, with little to engage viewers beyond its slick visuals and occasional moments of intrigue. Even the ship’s malfunction, which should be a central source of suspense, is handled in such a way that it feels like an afterthought rather than a driving force of the narrative.
The Final Twist: A Disappointing Resolution
Without giving away spoilers, it’s safe to say that Slingshot tries to pull off a twist ending that will leave audiences reeling. Unfortunately, the twist doesn’t land as intended. Rather than adding layers to the story, it raises more questions than it answers, leaving viewers frustrated rather than satisfied.
In the end, Slingshot suffers from its inability to fully commit to its bleak vision. The film flirts with existential despair but never quite embraces it in the way that a movie like Aniara (2018) does. What could have been a haunting meditation on the human condition in space turns into a generic thriller that lacks the emotional resonance and narrative cohesion needed to make it memorable.
Streaming Services: Where to Watch Slingshot Online
If you’re still curious about watching Slingshot, several streaming services offer the film in the United States. Currently, the movie is available for streaming and rental on the following platforms:
Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for both streaming and rental. Amazon offers the option to either rent or purchase the movie in HD or SD formats.
- Apple TV: You can rent or purchase Slingshot through Apple TV, with options for both HD and 4K viewing.
Rental/Purchase Services:
- Google Play Movies & TV: Users can rent or buy Slingshot through Google Play, with pricing varying based on video quality.
- Vudu: Offers both rental and purchase options. You can also choose between different video resolutions for your viewing experience.
Conclusion: Should You Watch Slingshot?
Slingshot (2024) isn’t a complete misfire, but it’s far from the groundbreaking space thriller it could have been. While the film boasts strong performances from Laurence Fishburne and Tomer Capone and a hauntingly grim ending, its slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and lack of narrative depth make it a forgettable entry in the sci-fi genre.
If you’re a fan of space-based psychological thrillers and don’t mind a film that doesn’t quite stick the landing, Slingshot might be worth a watch. However, for those seeking a deeper, more meaningful exploration of isolation and human fragility in space, there are far better options available.
