AstroNots

Directed by Andrew Seaton

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

AstroNots is a short comedy that kicks off with two astronauts preparing for a crucial mission to Mars. As the montage sets the tone of urgency, things take a hilarious turn when Major Tom Collins realizes that his co-pilot, Abe, is woefully underqualified and completely unprepared for the job. Despite the gravity of their mission, Abe somehow fumbled his way through training and ended up in the co-pilot seat for the most important mission in the universe. What follows is a witty back-and-forth as they grapple with whether to proceed with the launch or abort the mission, leaving audiences in stitches with their comedic banter.

I think AstroNots nails the production design. The set was crucial for grounding the story, and it absolutely worked in creating a realistic space environment. It could’ve easily slipped into feeling corny, but the production design kept things believable while enhancing the comedy. The lighting and cinematography were on point too—using high-key lighting that matched the upbeat, comedic tone of the film. The choice to shoot from various angles kept the energy up, especially since it’s a short confined to one primary location. The editing between these different shots felt seamless, helping with pacing and keeping the visuals engaging. Sound design was another strong element, with the spaceship noises blending well with the dialogue, adding to the immersive quality of the short. Overall, from a technical standpoint, the film was spot on, and I didn’t notice any missteps.

The story itself is fun and engaging. At its core, it’s about an astronaut who takes his job very seriously and is paired with a co-pilot who absolutely shouldn’t be there. The dynamic between the two characters, played by Aaron Glenane (Abe) and Adam Dunn (Tom), worked really well. The dialogue is witty and sharp, which kept me entertained from start to finish. Despite being a 9-minute short set primarily in one location, it never felt slow or boring, which can be a challenge for this kind of setup. The ending was especially hilarious, raising a moral question that had me laughing while also thinking about what I’d do in that situation.

I think audiences will really enjoy AstroNots. The blend of humor, tight pacing, and strong performances make this an entertaining short that will likely resonate with anyone who loves a good space comedy. The film delivers a memorable experience in a short amount of time, and I’d definitely recommend it for a fun watch!