‘Space: The Longest Goodbye’ Review – An Uninspired Look At Preparing To Go To Mars

Space exploration is a boundless fascination. Throughout history, there has been a clarion call for such exploration, first to the Moon and now to Mars. This premise is the basis of the idea for the documentary Space: The Longest Goodbye. The film explores the methods of preparation by a NASA psychologist, aiming to equip the future astronauts on their three-year trek across the stars. The film attempts intimacy but, overall, is frustratingly distant. The premise of understanding space and social isolation is a rather intriguing perspective for a mission yet to happen. However, the result in the film is a rather dull examination that stays pedestrianly earthbound.

Much like the landing on the Moon, astronauts’ dream of reaching Mars is no longer a pipe dream. Within a decade, NASA will send a crew to Mars for the first time. The Mars Mission, known as The Artemis Program, has received over 30,000 applications. This three-year journey will take astronauts from Earth to the Red Planet.

This mission will be extraordinary for the discoveries but also incredibly isolating for the crew. Social isolation impacts everyone, but the documentary focuses on the astronauts. Dr. Al Holland’s job is to acclimate and adjust to these future explorers. The film gives some historical perspective on psychology vis a vis NASA. The first psychological unit, founded by Holland, did not happen until 1994. This relatively new occurrence is part of helping astronauts adjust to life in the stars. Unlike the glamorous takes of Hollywood films, it is lonely, draining, and physically altering. The process of space travel and deep space exploration is a toll on which the human body can barely register.

In addition to being a psychologist for NASA, Holland is the one who sets out to help Matthias Maurer, Cady Coleman, and Kayla Barron. They are the main subjects of the film. Over ninety minutes, viewers can spend some time with each of these astronauts as they navigate the intense physical and mental challenges that will accompany them on their journey to Mars. The separation from Earth is a monumental challenge to the Mars mission. It is why preparation begins now to mitigate any challenges foreseen or unexpected once the mission starts. 

The film clarifies the trauma the human body faces during space travel. The three-year journey will undoubtedly impact all these individuals, now and certainly then. The film offers vignettes of their daily lives and the adjustments that will happen on Earth as they leave their families and loved ones behind. In what should be the most vital aspect of the film, an odd detachment prevents the audience from genuinely grappling with the astronaut’s future mission. 

Space: The Longest Goodbye is structured to keep the audience from truly understanding the weight of this situation. It may be by design there is inherent distance in the narrative, but it leaves a feeling of coldness. Visually, the film is sprawling. This type of film has a grand and fitting scope but, lacks emotional resonance. 

Director Ido Mizrahy leaves little to the imagination. He can instill a sense of loneliness. However, there needs to be more connection. An audience may imbue their sense of curiosity and trepidation, but the film again does not rise to this challenge in presenting a stirring insight. Mars and the future of deep space exploration are tantalizing adventures. Still, the film never delivers any examination on this front other than surface-level intrigue, which can be easily found in a Wikipedia search. 

The mission to Mars will undoubtedly change what is known about the universe and, in some cases, life on Earth. This odyssey will unfold in a decade, yet the documentary fails to probe this aspect more. The challenge is trying to document something that will happen in the future. Once the mission occurs, a documentary like this may offer discoveries or insight into what faces the astronauts on their journey. For now, there is no sense of wonder and a fundamental aspect of humanity’s fascination with space. Space: The Longest Goodbye lacks full inspiration and never rises to the intensity of the Mars mission.

Space: The Longest Goodbye will be available in select theaters and on Amazon & Apple TV on March 8, 2024. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63KKJM4aOtE]