I’m a big fan of all kinds of movies, but science fiction holds a special place for me. When it comes to that genre, I'm really drawn in by stories set entirely in one location—usually the inside of a spaceship. It takes real skill to pull that off and keep audiences engaged for two hours. Directing and co-writing this film in such a confined setting was certainly a difficult task for Joe Penna, especially early in his career. Crafting a compelling story within the same limited spaces is no small feat if you want people to stay invested until the very end; it’s a significant challenge both creatively and from a filmmaking standpoint. Stowaway turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of 2021. The screenplay, written by Penna and Ryan Morrison, is deeply moving, full of incredibly tough moral choices, and features what I think is Anna Kendrick's best performance yet (A Simple Favor, Pitch Perfect). She really rises to meet the demands of a film that also stars Daniel Dae Kim (Raya and the Last Dragon, Hellboy) and Toni Collette (I’m Thinking of Ending Things, Knives Out), managing to stand out by showcasing her dramatic side rather than relying on comedy. Shamier Anderson (Destroyer, Love Jacked) is also excellent, and I suspect it will lead to him working with more well-known actors in the future. The trailers might suggest a fast-paced, action-packed story, but Stowaway takes a much more human and realistic approach to life's most complicated decisions. With the exception of Toni Collette’s character arc, each astronaut is given a strong script that fleshes out their personality with a complete background and believable dialogue. While Collette delivers a great performance as always, her character spends a lot of time talking to an unseen Earth engineer in another room, which felt like she wasn't even with the rest of the cast. This odd storytelling choice slows down the movie’s pace. The film’s technical aspects are impressive; the futuristic set design allows for smooth camera movement, enabling Penna and cinematographer Klemens Becker to use long tracking shots that help avoid a feeling of repetition. The visual effects artists also deserve recognition for everything we see outside the spaceship—some scenes offer truly stunning imagery. The final act is filled with tense moments, but most importantly, it has an ending that’s likely to generate discussion after you leave the theater. It's true that the story follows familiar patterns, but it's beautifully made by a clearly dedicated and talented filmmaker who I think deserves attention. Rating: B+

Source on TMDB