Watch A Space Program

A Space Program is a 2015 experimental film directed by artist Tom Sachs, depicting a fictional mission to Mars. The film follows a team of astronauts, led by Sachs' longtime collaborator Chris Beeston, as they prepare for their journey to the red planet. Much of the film takes place in a recreated Martian environment, built by Sachs and his team using materials ranging from plywood to duct tape.

The plot of the film is rather loose and meandering, with much of the focus given to the various rituals and routines the astronauts undertake in their daily lives. These include everything from intricate spacewalks to mundane activities like exercising and cooking.

Along the way, the film also explores various themes related to space exploration and human existence. In one particularly poignant sequence, the astronauts engage in a discussion about the concept of home, and whether it is possible to feel truly at home in a place so foreign and hostile as Mars.

The film is shot in a documentary-style, with handheld cameras and natural lighting giving it a raw, low-budget feel. The visual effects are deliberately low-tech, often featuring props and models rather than CGI, lending the film a charmingly retro aesthetic.

One unique element of the film is its use of "Martian dolls," meticulously crafted miniature versions of the astronauts and their equipment. These dolls are used to demonstrate various procedures and experiments in a playful, almost childlike manner, adding to the film's offbeat charm.

A Space Program is a film that defies easy categorization. It is equal parts science fiction, art project, and philosophical meditation. Its unconventional approach is likely to polarize viewers, with some finding it tedious and pointless, while others will be captivated by its strange, dreamlike world.

Overall, A Space Program is a fascinating experimental film that offers a fresh perspective on the familiar tropes of space exploration. Sachs' DIY approach gives the film a rough-hewn quality that feels true to the spirit of early space exploration, while his idiosyncratic vision adds a level of whimsy and thoughtfulness that sets it apart from more conventional documentaries.

A Space Program is a 2016 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 72.