The Astronaut (2025 film)

Lore & Background

The film follows NASA astronaut Sam Walker, who crash-lands on Earth after her shuttle is hit by debris. Rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, she is quarantined and later confined to a rural cottage under the supervision of her father, U.S. Army General William Harris. Strange occurrences begin, including hallucinations, telekinetic powers, and a spreading bruise. Sam eventually learns through telepathy that she is actually an alien whose disguise is wearing off, and that her human family is not her biological one. The film culminates with Sam boarding a spaceship with her true alien family to evade government capture.

Reader's Guide

The Astronaut represents Jess Varley's first solo feature as writer and director, produced by Brad Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, and Cameron Fuller. The film premiered at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 7, and was acquired for U.S. distribution by Vertical in September 2025. Principal photography took place in Ireland in late 2023, with post-production completed by February 2024. The film received mixed reviews, with a 38% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 26 critics and a Metacritic score of 40 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reception. Its significance lies in its blending of science fiction and horror tropes with a twist revealing the protagonist's alien identity.

Did You Know?

• Kate Mara replaced Emma Roberts in the lead role in September 2023.
• The film was shot in Ireland in late 2023.
• The film had its premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival.
• Vertical acquired U.S. rights to the film prior to its October 17, 2025 release.