It requires patience to settle into the narrative, but once the action moves into space, it becomes a remarkably engaging story about three astronauts who are left adrift after an oxygen tank explodes. Ron Howard delivers a notably tense and confined experience as Lovell (Tom Hanks), Haise (Bill Paxton), and Swigert (Kevin Bacon) collaborate with their ground control team—including Mattingly (Gary Sinese) and Kranz (Ed Harris, in a memorable role)—to devise a plan for their rescue before they exhaust their limited oxygen supply and fuel. Throughout the film, we also see glimpses of the astronauts’ families back on Earth, notably Marilyn Lovell portrayed by Kathleen Quinlan. The script draws from Lovell's own book, lending it an air of realism. There was seemingly little need to rely heavily on elaborate special effects; the sets successfully create a feeling of danger and restriction as time runs short. The writing is sharp—realistic and spirited, firmly rooted in scientific principles—allowing Hanks to give one of his more grounded, less eccentric performances alongside his fellow actors. Because the outcome is already documented by historical record, the film doesn't hinge on suspense; instead, it builds a pervasive feeling of threat, showcasing how resourceful and inventive human minds can be when confronted with near-certain disaster. The production values are high—subtle but impactful—and James Horner’s score, while not among his most famous works, is still quite effective. It's an exceptionally filmed and directed story, supported by a powerful cast, and it’s certainly worth seeing.

Source on TMDB