Did you watch The Martian? If yes, then while watching it did you at any point think to yourself “Man, I wish that instead of this highly entertaining and brilliant character played by Matt Damon and his insane struggle to survive on an alien planet, this movie was actually about a love-struck teen who just wants to be a real [Earth] boy!”, then you’re in luck!
The Space Between Us is upcoming film that at first glance puts a new YA slant on a same story tackled in Ridley Scott’s 2015 sci-fi blockbuster, but despite my initial bit of snark in describing it, actually looks pretty solid. Hugo‘s Asa Butterfield stars as a kid who through extraordinary circumstances gets born on Mars, where he is forced to spend most of life practically by himself until the opportunity arises for him to “return” to Earth. The very same Earth where the girl (Britt Robertson) he’s been talking to via video chat also happens to live. And you know, the billions of other people and things that he’s never experienced before in his entire life.
It’s certainly an intriguing concept, and one that has the potential for a charming and emotional journey, especially with the incredibly talented Butterfield and Robertson leading things. Or it could get super schmaltzy to the point where you just want to shoot yourself into orbit. And based on the first trailer for The Space Between Us, I’m not quite sure which way it’s going to go.
Have a look below and see how you feel about it.
In this interplanetary adventure, a space shuttle embarks on the first mission to colonize Mars, only to discover after takeoff that one of the astronauts is pregnant. Shortly after landing, she dies from complications while giving birth to the first human born on the red planet – never revealing who the father is. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Gardner Elliot – an inquisitive, highly intelligent boy who reaches the age of 16 having only met 14 people in his very unconventional upbringing.
While searching for clues about his father, and the home planet he’s never known, Gardner begins an online friendship with a street smart girl in Colorado named Tulsa. When he finally gets a chance to go to Earth, he’s eager to experience all of the wonders he could only read about on Mars – from the most simple to the extraordinary. But once his explorations begin, scientists discover that Gardner’s organs can’t withstand Earth’s atmosphere.
Eager to find his father, Gardner escapes the team of scientists and joins with Tulsa on a race against time to unravel the mysteries of how he came to be, and where he belongs in the universe.
The Space Between Us was directed by Peter Chelsom (Hector and the Search for Happiness), and also stars the always great Carla Gugino and Gary Oldman. It is scheduled for release on August 19, 2016.
Last Updated: May 27, 2016
