The Aeronauts

Annotation for KRRR! 2024 by Šimon Černík

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, The Airmen offers an adventure story of discovery inspired by true events.

It tells the story of Amelia Wren, an ambitious pilot, and James Glaisher, a determined scientist, who embark on a dangerous journey to break the record for the highest altitude reached in a hot air balloon. Set in 1862, a time of rapid scientific progress and social change, the film captures the spirit of discovery of the time.

The British film, directed by Tom Harper, skilfully combines themes of adventure, suspense and scientific discovery. From the moment the balloon ascends into the sky, the audience is transported into an enchanting world of excitement. The stunning cinematography, along with impressive visual effects, effectively enhances both the beauty and danger of daring to fly to record heights.

At the center of the story is a pair of characters played by Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne. Meanwhile, the leader of the expedition is the enigmatic and fearless aerialist Amelia Wren, whose passion for aviation simultaneously masks the pain of a personal loss in her life. James Glaisher, a dedicated scientist driven by a thirst for knowledge, then forms the intellectual centre of the journey as he strives to push the boundaries of human achievement with his determination.

As their balloon rises, so do the risks, with the pair facing not only increasing physical challenges, but also their inner struggles and fears. And as Wren and Glaisher defy adversity and reach unprecedented heights, they indirectly inspire the audience to dream, explore and push the boundaries of what is considered possible themselves. In a time of rapid technological advancement, the film is a reminder of the power of human ingenuity itself.

Significantly, although Airborne was shot on a 70mm negative with a Dolby Atmos sound mix, it was co-produced by streaming giant Amazon Studios, and while it received standard theatrical distribution in the UK, in America it went direct to streaming platform Prime Video after a two-week run in cinemas. In Krnov, however, we will be able to see them in the best picture and sound quality.