-Written by Kyle Bain.
When a Chinese-Canadian immigrant (Victor Young) returns home to his family for a two-week stint, he must find a way to reach his young son, Tom (Tobi Wong). Tom wants to be an Astronaut, and that is the bond that he and his father are able to create, but beyond that, Tom’s father uses this as a way for Tom to branch out, make new friends, and become the best version of himself.
The first half of Astronaut is entirely in Mandarin, and that creates something of a barrier between the content of the film and viewers. This feels intentional, however–because, in a lot of ways, this mirrors the struggles that Tom faces in his day-to-day life as he finds it difficult to make friends and be social. Writer Stephanie Joan and Director Kevin Cheng create a balance within this film that speaks to its viewers, that allows us to step into the shoes of Tom and appreciate his experiences. This feels like such a small touch, like something that would have occurred naturally at this point in Astronaut, but it means so much more, and this writing, directing duo does a stellar job of finding common ground and opening Tom’s world up to viewers everywhere.
The idea of immigration is one that can be incredibly touchy, and it can be challenging to reach a wide-range of viewers as a result of the topic alone. Again, Joan and Cheng find ways to reel in viewers from all walks of life while still tackling the idea of immigration. Having Tom as the main character, a child, is a brilliant decision. There’s more to Tom than just allowing viewers into the film, it’s certainly not just about getting viewers to appreciate the overarching themes of the film–but, again, it does this. The decisions that the team of Astronaut make throughout the course of production are multifaceted. Everything works in more than one way, and presenting Tom as the film's main character is just one of those massively important decisions.
As Tom enters a makeshift spaceship toward the conclusion of the film the lights on him become distorted, and they continue to shift in a number of ways throughout this time in this spaceship. The use of light to illuminate Tom in these moments is spectacular, and like so many of the other decisions made by this team, viewers become fixated on the things taking place on screen. Viewers will likely fall in love with every moment of Astronaut, but there’s something different in these moments. This aspect of the film extends itself beyond the writing and expresses to viewers what truly powerful filmmakers Cheng, Joan, and the rest of the team are. They aren’t just keen on appealing to emotion, on finding ways to extend themselves as far as possible and reach the masses, but they understand the very fibers of filmmaking. Astronaut is technically sound and brilliantly successful as a result.
Not much is asked of Wong, not really. He’s asked to remain quiet and somber throughout the duration of Astronaut, and he delivers. He fits well into this touching narrative, and Casting Director Sean Milliken chooses just the right person for the job. Furthermore, Cheng places him in the perfect position time and time again. Astronaut thrives as a result of the collaboration of this team from the casting director, to the actors, all the way to the top with Cheng. Astronaut will tug at your heartstrings and will entertain you from beginning to end.
Directed by Kevin Cheng.
Written by Kevin Cheng & Stephanie Joan.
Starring Tobi Wong, Victor Young, Xiaoqing Ye, Ari Plimbley, etc.
8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
Courtesy of Crazy8s Film Society