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Short film

Skylab (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Skylab (2021) movie poster

Skylab is a 2021 short film directed by Chuck Escasa, starring Dylan Ray Talon, Jonathan Tadioan and Lotlot Bustamante. It runs 22 minutes and earned $381 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 77/100.

worldwide gross
$381
Echo Score
77
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Skylab (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
22 min
Director
Chuck Escasa
Original language
Tagalog
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Skylab About?

The premise of Skylab without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In 1979, as the Skylab satellite hurtles towards Earth, two young boys grapple with anxiety and anticipation of the impending crash. While waiting for the dramatic event, they find themselves confronting a more immediate and unsettling danger that threatens their lives and forces them to confront hidden truths about their community.

Skylab Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • laboratory
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Cast & crew

Skylab Cast

Dylan Ray Talon leads the cast, with Jonathan Tadioan and Lotlot Bustamante. Directed by Chuck Escasa; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Skylab

· 1 more
From the director

More from Chuck Escasa

One more film directed by Chuck Escasa: Ghosts of Kalantiaw.

Full filmography
Ratings

Skylab Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in sensory experience (68).

77 /100

Skylab Echo Score Breakdown

Skylab delivers a heartfelt look at rural life through natural performances and an earnest story, earning strong praise for its cast and social message. Critics note uneven pacing, a predictable plot, and a soundtrack that fails to linger, which temper its overall impact. The film resonates with audiences seeking sincerity, yet its technical rough edges keep it from universal acclaim.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction and craft, the film showcases a modest concept with authentic village settings and real‑time comedy. Reviewers appreciate the natural tone but point out uneven editing that leads to slower moments, especially in the second half. The background music is deemed loud yet forgettable, resulting in an overall competent but unremarkable technical execution.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are highlighted as the film’s strongest element. Nithya Menen, Satyadev, and Rahul Ramakrishna receive consistent commendation for nuanced, natural portrayals, while supporting actors add depth to the village ensemble. Critics uniformly praise the well‑written roles, establishing a high emotional resonance throughout the narrative.

  • Story & Flow 78

    The story offers a unique premise and a clear social message, which many reviewers find refreshing and devoid of typical commercial tropes. However, the plot is described as predictable and the pacing, particularly in the second half, as sluggish. This blend of originality and familiar structure leads to a mixed but generally positive assessment of the narrative.

  • Sensory Experience 68

    Sensory experience receives moderate approval; the soundtrack is noted as pleasant but not memorable, and the sound design is occasionally criticized for being overly loud. Visual style is not prominently discussed, suggesting it neither enhances nor detracts significantly from the viewing. Overall, the sensory elements support the film without standing out.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Rewatch factor is viewed as solid, with several reviewers labeling the film a must‑watch and praising its emotional climax. Some dissenters view it as a one‑time experience, but the majority suggest the natural comedy and heartfelt story reward repeat viewings. Consequently, the film holds a respectable replay value for audiences seeking sincere cinema.

Plot

Skylab Plot Summary

What happens in Skylab from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Starring Dylan Ray Talon, Jonathan Tadioan, Lotlot Bustamante, Alexis Negrite, and Antonette Go, the film unfolds in 1979 in a remote village called Bandalingampalli, then part of United Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana). As a Skylab satellite project looms large, news of debris falling to Earth reaches Indian scientists, setting a ripple of curiosity and anxiety through the countryside.

Full summary

The whole story of Skylab, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Skylab Box Office

Skylab grossed $381 worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$381

International
$381
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Skylab?

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
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  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year is the story set?

Seen Skylab?

FAQ

Skylab FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Skylab, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Skylab?

Skylab runs 22 minutes.

When was Skylab released?

Skylab was released on November 26, 2021.

Who directed Skylab?

Skylab was directed by Chuck Escasa.

More films by Chuck Escasa

Who is in the cast of Skylab?

Skylab stars Dylan Ray Talon, Jonathan Tadioan and Lotlot Bustamante, among 5 credited actors.

How much did Skylab make at the box office?

Skylab grossed $381 worldwide.

Does Skylab have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Skylab in?

The original language of Skylab is Tagalog.

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