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In 1862, daredevil pilot Amelia Wren and meteorologist James Glaisher embark on a groundbreaking adventure to set a new record for the highest altitude reached by air. Their ambitious journey takes them to the edge of the stratosphere, where they encounter perilous conditions and must overcome both physical and emotional obstacles. As their ascent turns into a desperate fight for survival, the pair’s partnership is tested, revealing unexpected depths and leading to personal growth.

In 1862, daredevil pilot Amelia Wren and meteorologist James Glaisher embark on a groundbreaking adventure to set a new record for the highest altitude reached by air. Their ambitious journey takes them to the edge of the stratosphere, where they encounter perilous conditions and must overcome both physical and emotional obstacles. As their ascent turns into a desperate fight for survival, the pair’s partnership is tested, revealing unexpected depths and leading to personal growth.

Does The Aeronauts have end credit scenes?

No!

The Aeronauts does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Aeronauts

Explore the complete cast of The Aeronauts, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Aeronauts

See how The Aeronauts is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Aeronauts stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

65

The Aeronauts offers remarkable visual appeal that is offset by uneven narrative execution. Critics frequently highlight its painterly cinematography and scenic design as primary strengths, while several observers note that jarring flashbacks and a lack of dramatic stakes impede plot momentum. Audience feedback echoes this mixed sentiment, praising high-altitude thrills and solid performances yet lamenting historical liberties and sporadic pacing lapses. Ultimately, the film achieves a visually compelling adventure that struggles to sustain engagement through its storyline.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Aeronauts

78
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of Art & Craft, the film excels with stunning production design and direction that emphasize its high-altitude setting. Reviews note painterly cinematography and elegant period costumes that enrich each frame. Occasionally, shaky camerawork interrupts the visual flow, but these instances remain limited. Overall, the visual composition stands out as the strongest creative element.

70
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to Character & Emotion, the cast delivers broadly solid performances that bring vintage adventurism to life. Critics and viewers alike praise the leads’ on-screen bond and emotional conviction, with moments of genuine tension and warmth. Some observers point out instances of cheesy delivery or underused range, but core emotional resonance remains intact. The characters sustain viewer interest despite occasional unevenness.

38
Echo Score

Story & Flow

Story & Flow emerges as the weakest element, with many noting a thin plot and limited stakes. Multiple reviewers describe the narrative as punctuated by jolting flashbacks and familiar clichés that undermine momentum. Historical liberties and rushed pacing further dilute engagement, and dialogue is frequently characterized as routine or underdeveloped. The overall storyline struggles to maintain consistent dramatic urgency.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of Sensory Experience, the film offers a richly immersive audiovisual palette. The soundtrack complements the soaring visuals without overpowering them, and the balloon sequences are consistently highlighted for their vibrant scenic presentation. Although occasional green-screen effects are discernible, they do not substantially detract from the cohesive style. The sensory design remains one of the film’s most compelling attributes.

55
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

As a Rewatch Factor, the adventure holds moderate appeal for subsequent viewings. Enthusiasts of visual spectacle and high-altitude tension report that key sequences retain their thrill, while narrative gaps and historical inaccuracy may lessen replay value for some. The film’s emotional moments and stunts offer intermittent incentive to revisit, but uneven pacing discourages frequent rewatches. Interest on repeat viewing is therefore mixed.

Metacritic

60

Metascore

5.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

71%

TOMATOMETER

review

95%

User Score

IMDb

6.6 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.1

From 33 fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.89/5

From 9 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Aeronauts Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Aeronauts with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Aeronauts Quiz: Test your knowledge on the thrilling adventures and emotional journeys of Amelia and James in 'The Aeronauts'.

What year does the story of 'The Aeronauts' take place?

Awards & Nominations for The Aeronauts

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Aeronauts, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Aeronauts and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


46th Saturn Awards 2021

Nomination

Best Independent Film Release

25th Critics' Choice Awards 2020

Nomination

Best Visual Effects

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Aeronauts

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Read the complete plot summary of The Aeronauts, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In 1862 London, Amelia, portrayed by Felicity Jones, and her sister Antonia, played by Phoebe Fox, embark on a mysterious journey in a carriage. However, Amelia experiences a panic attack, prompting her to exit the carriage, despite Antonia’s attempts to dissuade her from participating in the balloon launch. Meanwhile, the aspiring meteorologist James Glaisher, embodied by Eddie Redmayne, waits anxiously alongside his friend John, portrayed by Himesh Patel, along with a throng of spectators eager for the balloon launch.

Amelia eventually arrives as the balloon’s pilot, making a grand entrance that stuns the crowd, much to the dissatisfaction of the reserved Glaisher. Haunted by memories of her late husband Pierre, played by Vincent Perez, Amelia remains resolute, and the thrilling balloon launch commences.

In a flashback, we see James attempting to present his groundbreaking weather prediction theory at the Royal Society, only to be met with laughter and scorn, especially from Charles Green. Returning home, he faces pressure from his parents to consider a different scientific path. Once in the balloon, James and Amelia ascend through the clouds, reaching 5,450 feet within just over nine minutes. Although they initially revel in the experience, they soon encounter a fierce storm that spins their balloon perilously.

Flashbacks reveal Amelia’s past interactions with James, including a society function where they danced, with Amelia initially annoyed that James only sought her company to recruit her as his pilot. Following a perilous encounter, they continue to rise, but during their ascent, James releases messages through pigeons indicating their altitude and scientific results—just in case disaster strikes.

As they soar higher, James and Amelia bond, enjoying one another’s company while James begins to set aside his scientific worries. They discover a current filled with butterflies, lending credence to John’s theories that James once dismissed. In another flashback, when Amelia hesitates to fly, James is dismayed but later, after his father expresses pride in him, he regains determination.

The balloon eventually exceeds an altitude of 23,000 feet, breaking records. However, as temperatures plummet, Amelia realizes James did not pack enough suitable attire for the cold and suggests they descend. Their disagreement intensifies, but she ultimately agrees to continue climbing. As they reach 26,500 feet, with dangerously low temperatures, tension escalates when James, under the strain of hypoxia, insists they keep ascending against Amelia’s will.

After a heated argument where James invokes Pierre’s name—suggesting Amelia’s late husband sought fame at her expense—Amelia retorts that she was the ambitious one. She recounts how Pierre heroically saved her during a critical balloon flight. This revelation brings James back to his senses, leading him to agree to descend. As they face the peril of a frozen gas release valve, Amelia bravely navigates the treacherous exterior of the balloon to rectify the issue, eventually losing consciousness but fortunately tethered to safety.

Upon awakening, she successfully rouses James as they descend amidst swirling snow, realizing their balloon is collapsing from excessive gas loss. They attempt all means to stabilize their descent—ultimately deciding to discard the basket and they cleverly use the balloon as a parachute, cushioning their fall through the trees.

Both emerge from the crash injured yet exhilarated, grateful for their survival. Amelia reflects in a voice-over on how James’ groundbreaking research opened the door for modern weather reporting. The film culminates with James delivering a triumphant presentation at the Royal Society, earning their respect and admiration, concluding with him and Amelia embarking on another balloon adventure together.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Aeronauts

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Aeronauts. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


The Aeronauts - Official Trailer

THE AERONAUTS - Official Trailer [HD]

The Aeronauts - Official Trailer 2 | Prime Video

Behind The Scenes of The Aeronauts | How It's Made | Prime Video

The Aeronauts - Clip: The Widow Wren | Amazon Studios

The Aeronauts Movie Felicity Jones Climbing Scene | Prime Video

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


hot air balloonthrowing a dog from a hot air balloomlondon englandmeteorologistyear 1862aeronautsuicidehoming pigeonheight on screensurvivalscientistfemale daredevilscientific discoverysnow adventurewidowfemale pilotsister sister relationshipboymourningf rateddogjumping from heightsnowingsnowsnowflakeweatherrainstormbutterflyparachutesandbagpredicting the weatherold manmother son relationshippigeonbinocularstelescopespyglassstar the celestial objectcold the temperaturesaving a lifefreezinggraph on screentime on screenflashbackflash forwardvoice over narrationdancingscienceblood

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