The opening shot of Moonshot (2022) is a sweeping view of Mars’ rust-red terrain, a stark contrast to the lush greens of Earth—an immediate visual metaphor for the film’s central premise: love knows no boundaries, not even interplanetary ones. Directed by Christopher Winterbauer and written by Max Taxe, this science-fiction romantic comedy stars Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor as Walt and Sophie, two college students who stow away on a shuttle to Mars to reunite with their significant others.

What works in Moonshot is its blend of witty banter and genuine emotional beats. The chemistry between Sprouse and Condor is palpable, grounding the film’s far-fetched premise in relatable human longing. A standout scene is when Walt and Sophie share a quiet moment in the shuttle’s cramped quarters, their laughter echoing through the sterile environment—it’s a small but effective reminder of the humanity amidst the high-concept sci-fi setup. The supporting cast, particularly Zach Braff as the eccentric scientist Leon Kovi, adds layers of humor and warmth.

However, Moonshot falters in its pacing and structural choices. The first act spends too much time establishing the future Mars colony and the mundane lives of the protagonists on Earth, making the stakes feel low despite the high-concept setting. Once Walt and Sophie board the shuttle, the film finds its footing, but the journey to Mars feels rushed, with underdeveloped subplots involving other passengers. The romance between Walt and Sophie also lacks the slow burn that makes similar films like The Martian or Passengers compelling; their connection feels sudden rather than earned.

Visually, Moonshot is a mixed bag. The production design of the Mars colony and the shuttle is impressive, with sleek, futuristic aesthetics that feel plausible yet fantastical. However, some CGI shots of Mars’ landscape look dated, pulling the audience out of the immersive experience. The sound design is also noteworthy for its use of silence in space, creating a sense of isolation that underscores the characters’ emotional journeys.

In terms of performances, Cole Sprouse delivers a charming and endearing portrayal of Walt, the barista with a heart of gold. His comedic timing shines through in scenes where he navigates the absurdity of stowing away on a spaceship. Lana Condor, as Sophie, brings a mix of intelligence and vulnerability to her role, making her character relatable despite her initial cold demeanor. The chemistry between Sprouse and Condor is the film’s strongest suit, carrying much of its emotional weight.

Christopher Winterbauer’s direction is competent but lacks the distinctive vision that could elevate Moonshot above other rom-coms with sci-fi elements. His handling of the film’s comedic moments is solid, but his approach to the more dramatic scenes feels uneven. The pacing issues are a clear indication of where Winterbauer could have tightened his grip on the narrative, ensuring a more cohesive and engaging experience.

Thematically, Moonshot explores the idea of love transcending boundaries, both literal and metaphorical. The film’s premise of terraforming Mars as a new frontier for humanity serves as a backdrop for the characters’ personal journeys. However, these themes are not deeply explored, often feeling like afterthoughts to the romantic subplot. The film could have benefited from a more nuanced examination of the ethical and emotional complexities of colonizing another planet.

Comparatively, Moonshot falls short when stacked against films like The Martian or Passengers. While it shares similarities in its sci-fi setting and romantic elements, it lacks the depth and tension that make those films compelling. The Martian, for instance, balances humor and high-stakes survival with a strong narrative drive, while Passengers delves into the moral dilemmas of its characters’ actions. Moonshot, on the other hand, feels more like a lightweight rom-com set in space, lacking the substance to stand out in the genre.

In terms of audience appeal, Moonshot is likely to resonate with fans of romantic comedies who enjoy a lighthearted escape. However, those looking for a more substantive sci-fi experience or a deeper exploration of its themes may find it lacking. The film’s humor and chemistry between its leads are its strongest selling points, but these elements alone are not enough to elevate it above the competition.

In conclusion, Moonshot is a charming but flawed romantic comedy with sci-fi trappings. It succeeds in moments where it leans into the chemistry between its leads and the humor of its supporting cast but stumbles when it tries to balance multiple subplots and underdeveloped romance.