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Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023): Cast & Ratings

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023) movie poster

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine is a 2023 documentary directed by Shai Gal, starring Joe Biden, Scarlin Hernandez and Amber Straughn. It runs 1 hour 4 minutes. Its Echo Score is 51/100.

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Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 4m (64 min)
Director
Shai Gal
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine About?

The premise of Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine without spoilers.

This documentary offers an unprecedented look at NASA’s mission to launch the James Webb Space Telescope. Viewers are taken behind the scenes to follow a dedicated team of engineers and scientists as they work to deploy the powerful telescope, marking a significant advancement in our exploration and understanding of the universe.

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine Themes & Keywords

· 6 tags
  • telescope
  • space
  • nasa
  • galaxy
  • cosmic
  • mission
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Cast & crew

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine Cast

Joe Biden leads the cast, with Scarlin Hernandez and Amber Straughn. Directed by Shai Gal; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine

· 5 more
Ratings

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in sensory experience (62) and weakest in story & flow (42).

51 /100

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine Echo Score Breakdown

The documentary presents a mixed impression, offering some insight into the James Webb telescope’s achievements while largely faltering in narrative cohesion. Several reviewers note that the film provides background on the telescope’s capabilities and showcases striking images, which can be informative for interested viewers. Conversely, many criticize the heavy reliance on personal anecdotes, slow pacing, and filler segments that obscure the scientific content. The net effect is a documentary that is occasionally enlightening but generally hindered by its storytelling choices.

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

  • Art & Craft 58

    In terms of art and craft, the documentary shows competent production but uneven visual focus. Reviewers praise the striking galaxy images, indicating strong cinematography in those moments. Yet the direction is often described as slow and the editing includes filler sequences that reduce momentum. Overall the technical execution is adequate yet inconsistent, meriting a modest score.

  • Character & Emotion 48

    When evaluating character and emotional depth, the film relies on personal narratives that split opinion. A minority value the tribute to engineers and their dedication, finding human stories meaningful. Most criticize the emphasis on individual feelings as irrelevant filler that disrupts flow. Consequently, the character aspect feels more polarizing than engaging, resulting in a modest rating.

  • Story & Flow 42

    The documentary’s story and flow are hindered by inconsistent pacing and a fragmented structure. Critics note that only a brief segment addresses the telescope’s science, with most of the runtime occupied by anecdotal interludes that stall momentum. This lack of coherent progression is described as boring and, for some, unwatchable, leading to a low story rating.

  • Sensory Experience 62

    The sensory experience provides striking visual moments but limited auditory depth. Reviewers praise the breathtaking space images for strong visual impact, while noting that the soundtrack and sound design are unobtrusive and add little to the overall feel. Overall, the documentary balances impressive visual highlights with a modest audio presentation, earning a moderately positive sensory score.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    The rewatch potential appears limited for most viewers. While some praise the inspiring telescope achievements and suggest enthusiasts might revisit the film, many critics describe the content as filler‑laden, slow, and unengaging, indicating low replay value. Consequently, the documentary’s lasting appeal is modest, resulting in a subdued rewatch score.

Details

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “Det ukjente: En kosmisk tidsmaskin” and “เปิดโลกลับ: คอสมิคไทม์แมชชีน”.

Also known as
  • Det ukjente: En kosmisk tidsmaskin
  • เปิดโลกลับ: คอสมิคไทม์แมชชีน
  • 언노운: 우주를 보는 타임머신
  • Nieznane oblicze planety: Kosmiczny wehikuł czasu
  • Dans l'inconnu : La machine à remonter le temps
  • 地球未知檔案:宇宙時光機
  • 地球未知档案:宇宙时光机
  • Az ismeretlen: Kozmikus időgép
  • Bilinmeyenler: Kozmik Zaman Makinesi
  • Unbekannt: Die kosmische Zeitmaschine
  • Nepoznané: Kosmický stroj času
  • אל הלא נודע: מכונת הזמן הקוסמית
+6 more
  • Explorando o Desconhecido: A Máquina do Tempo Cósmica
  • Lo desconocido: La máquina del tiempo cósmica
  • Unknown: Η Συμπαντική Μηχανή του Χρόνου
  • Unknown: La Macchina Del Tempo Cosmica
  • Непізнане: Космічна машина часу
  • Necunoscut: Mașina cosmică a timpului

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FAQ

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine runs 1 hour 4 minutes (64 minutes).

When was Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine released?

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine was released on July 24, 2023.

Who directed Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine was directed by Shai Gal.

Who is in the cast of Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine?

Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine stars Joe Biden, Scarlin Hernandez and Amber Straughn, among 9 credited actors.

Does Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine have a post-credit scene?

No. Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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