‘The Aeronauts’ is An Unusual Adventure from Amazon

Appearing on Amazon, this period drama is unique to be sure, but while interesting, it’s not one I’ll pick as a best adventure story. Inspired by a true events, in the 1860s we meet Felicity Jones’ Amelia Wren. She’s a woman who struggles with the weight of her past, and the toll it takes on her every day. Scientist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) is obsessed with making history and new discoveries, hoping to do so while travelling in a hot air balloon. All that stands in his way is a good pilot, and this is where Amelia comes in.

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Much to his annoyance, Amelia gives him an emphatic no to his proposal. She hurts too much and she’s far from ready to set foot on a balloon again after her loss. But with a little persistence, and her own sense of adventure piqued, James is about to convince the talented Amelia to be his partner on this venture, one that doesn’t go as either of them plan…

The Aeronauts (2019) Amazon Film Review

A kind of “adventure” film with its “inspired by real events” premise, this production has many elements work in its favor, but there’s also some things that don’t work. One of these is the mirror image past and present story. They work in too much of a step-by-step pattern which makes them blend together instead of separating themselves. The flashbacks are pretty well executed, so I don’t think it’s a cutting room floor flaw, rather I feel as if the stories melt together which makes it hard to buy in the present timeline.

That said, the force and determination of these characters, in particular Amelia, will be inspiring to those who like this type of character study. It puts two people in a perilous (to say the least!) situation and allows them to dig deeper into their personas, and ultimately, their sense to survive. It’s a testament to good character writing, and even more so, strong acting.

Felicity Jones is spectacular in this role, as she has been in anything I’ve seen her in. Needless to say, though she’s fantastic in Northanger Abbey, this shows a new side to her characterization talent, and it’s marvelous. I’m hopeful she’ll appear in more in the future. Eddie Redmayne is a renowned actor who I know mostly by name only, but he too turns in a good performance. With Tom Hooper in the director’s chair, suffice to say, The Aeronauts one has no shortage of talent in its corner.

The costumes are pretty, and while this has plenty of slow moments, the flashbacks help the momentum. In the end there’s lots of white-knuckle tension to keep you glued to the screen, and most of the time, invested.

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You can find The Aeronauts on Amazon Video, currently with Prime.

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Content: There’s really nothing too bothersome in this with exception to some “tense” moments, including many that involve trying to survive, and a dramatic scene that results in death. The film is TV-14

Photos: Amazon