The Aeronauts

        Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones reunite for this remarkable adventure. Based on the true story of  James Glaisher, a British scientist and early meteorologist, the film is about the ascent he made in a hot air balloon on September 5th, 1862 rising almost 35,000 ft setting a new world record for the time.

         Mr. Redmayne plays James Glaisher. Ms. Jones play Amelia Wren, a fictional composite of two daredevil women balloonists who pilots the balloon for Glaisher as he takes all sorts of meteorological readings as they climb higher into the atmosphere. Ms. Jones steals the film being put to the test in many harrowing scenes. 

         The film starts mid-flight and we learn through flashbacks how Glaisher meets Amelia and how the flight comes together. Co-starring are Himesh Patel as a fellow scientist, Tom Courtenay as Glaisher's father and Vincent Perez as Pierre Wren, Amelia's husband. As the flight continues, the back story is filled in by further flashbacks.

         Directed by Tom Harper, the film is a technical marvel. The visuals are stunning. You will be hard pressed to tell the difference between actual sky and CGI.  The scenes of ascension are just majestic and beautiful but there are tension filled moments of sheer dread as well that will have you on the edge of your seat. 

         Produced by Amazon studios, the film is streaming on Amazon but also playing in select theaters. Do your best to see it on a big screen to really appreciate it's beauty and adventure.