First Man

Damien Chazelle's 2018 film covers Neil Armstrong's years in the sixties. The loss of his daughter comes at the start of the narrative. Many of his colleagues die during the programme. The film does not present space as a triumph; the narrative keeps the inside of the capsule tight and loud and shows very little of the outside. Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy lead. It won an Academy Award for visual effects. That the film does not show the planting of the flag caused argument before release. Who it's for: those who like quiet, inward biographical drama. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a celebratory space film; the tone is heavy throughout.