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Sci-fi comedy

Moonshot (2022): Cast, Ratings & Ending

Moonshot (2022) movie poster

Moonshot is a 2022 sci-fi comedy directed by Christopher Winterbauer, starring Lana Condor as Sophie, Cole Sprouse and Emily Rudd. Critics gave it 62% on Rotten Tomatoes and 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10.

IMDb rating
5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
62%
Echo Score
51
Metascore
58
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Moonshot (2022) movie poster
Released
Genres
Sci-Fi , Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
HBO Max
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Moonshot About?

The premise of Moonshot without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Sophie feels trapped between her current life and an uncertain future, while Walt’s solitary existence is unexpectedly changed by Ginny's brief appearance. Both are searching for lost loves – Calvin, who is abroad, and Ginny, who has embarked on a new journey. Their paths intertwine, and they forge an unlikely connection as they try to overcome the challenges and distance separating them from those they care about.

Moonshot Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • mars
  • space
  • hbo max
  • exploration
  • friend
  • college
  • future
  • galaxy
  • twist
  • student
  • barista
  • year 2049
+2 more
  • reference to sarah stewart johnson
  • aerophobia
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Cast & crew

Moonshot Cast & Characters

Lana Condor leads the cast as Sophie, with Cole Sprouse as Walt and Emily Rudd as Ginny. Directed by Christopher Winterbauer; 12 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Christopher Winterbauer

More films directed by Christopher Winterbauer: Wyrm, Break Down and Wyrm.

Full filmography
Ratings

Moonshot Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Moonshot 62% on Rotten Tomatoes and 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in art & craft (60) and weakest in story & flow (40).

51 /100

Moonshot Echo Score Breakdown

Moonshot lands in a middle ground, offering occasional charm but failing to rise above its formulaic core. Critics acknowledge witty moments and competent direction, yet note a lack of originality and uneven tone. Audience reactions echo this split, praising the leads’ occasional chemistry while criticizing the thin romance and uninspired world-building. The net impression is that the film provides a passable, if unremarkable, viewing experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film shows moments of competence. Critics highlight the director's light, playful touch and commend the evocative production design that lends the setting a modest appeal. Users, however, point to generic execution and a lack of depth in visual storytelling. Overall, the art and craft are adequate but not distinctive, delivering a serviceable technical presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When assessing acting and character depth, responses are mixed. Some reviewers note the leads’ occasional chemistry and entertaining interplay, while others describe performances as broad, forced, or lacking nuance. The supporting cast is often seen as filler rather than contributing meaningfully. Consequently, the character work balances brief highlights against broader shortcomings, resulting in a middling evaluation.

  • Story & Flow 40

    The narrative structure leans heavily on familiar rom‑com tropes, prompting criticism of predictability and limited originality. Critics describe the plot as a repeatedly told story, and users complain about shallow romance and absent world‑building. Though occasional witty dialogue offers brief uplift, the overall pacing and plot coherence fail to engage consistently, leading to a low story rating.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Sensory elements receive modest praise, especially for the production design that creates an engaging sci‑fi backdrop. Reviewers mention a vibrant visual palette and playful energy, though sound and score receive little comment. User feedback does not highlight major sensory flaws, suggesting an average experience. The film therefore offers a competent but unremarkable sensory presentation.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    Rewatch potential is limited by the film’s formulaic nature, though occasional humor and endearing moments provide modest appeal. Critics and users alike acknowledge that while the movie can be an enjoyable popcorn choice, it lacks the depth or novelty to merit frequent revisits. This results in a median assessment of its lasting entertainment value.

Plot

Moonshot Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Moonshot from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 2049, Walt works as a barista on a college campus, juggling 37 applications to the Kovi Industries Student Mars Program, a bold initiative that aims to send ambitious students to Mars. On a lively campus party, he crosses paths with Sophie, a sharp, no-nonsense student whose boyfriend Calvin is already on Mars, and he also discovers an instant pull toward Ginny, a fellow student who is set to be shipped to the red planet the very next morning.

Full summary

The whole story of Moonshot, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

Moonshot Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

Official Trailer
  • Clip Full Movie Preview
  • Behind the Scenes The Making of Moonshot
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Moonshot?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Walt's occupation at the beginning of the film?

Cars

Cars in Moonshot

2 cars on screen: the Taylor-Dunn and the unknown.

  • Taylor-Dunn in Moonshot Taylor-Dunn Minor role
  • unknown in Moonshot unknown Background role
Details

Moonshot Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “Крутой взлёт” and “登月计划”.

Also known as
  • Крутой взлёт
  • 登月计划
  • 登月計畫
  • 문샷
  • Nossos Sonhos de Marte
  • Felszállás – Veled a Marsra
  • Za sny až na Mars
  • Мечта за Марс
  • U potrazi za snom na Marsu
  • Wyprawa na Marsa
  • Sueños de Marte
  • מסע בין אוהבים
+6 more
  • 火星追夢
  • În căutarea visului pe Marte
  • Liftoff - Mit dir zum Mars
  • Su tavimi į Marsą
  • Sognando Marte
  • Місячний прорив

Seen Moonshot?

FAQ

Moonshot FAQ: Cast, Release Date & Director

Release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Moonshot, each answered in a sentence.

When was Moonshot released?

Moonshot was released on March 31, 2022.

Who directed Moonshot?

Moonshot was directed by Christopher Winterbauer.

More films by Christopher Winterbauer

Who is in the cast of Moonshot?

Moonshot stars Lana Condor as Sophie, Cole Sprouse as Walt and Emily Rudd as Ginny, among 12 credited actors.

How is Moonshot rated?

Moonshot has 5.6/10 on IMDb, 62% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Moonshot have a post-credit scene?

No. Moonshot has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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