Stowaway

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 22, 2021

Genre
Science Fiction, Thriller, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Anna Kendrick as Zoe Levenson
• Daniel Dae Kim as David Kim
• Shamier Anderson as Michael Adams
• Toni Collette as Marina Barnett

Director
Joe Penna

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Arctic (2018)

Producer
Ulrich Schwarz, Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian, Joe Penna

Writer
Joe Penna, Ryan Morrison

Budget
$10 million

Production Company
XYZ Films, Rise Pictures

Running Time
116 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-MA

Content Advisory

• Intense situations
• Themes of survival and sacrifice

Movie Story
“Stowaway” is a tense and thought-provoking science fiction drama that unfolds aboard a spaceship bound for Mars. The story follows a small crew of three astronauts—commander Marina Barnett (Toni Collette), medical researcher Zoe Levenson (Anna Kendrick), and biologist David Kim (Daniel Dae Kim)—on a two-year mission to establish a colony on the Red Planet. Shortly after launch, the crew discovers an unexpected fourth passenger, Michael Adams (Shamier Anderson), a launch support engineer who has accidentally become a stowaway.

Michael’s unplanned presence aboard the spacecraft creates a life-threatening situation: the ship’s life support systems, designed to sustain only three people, are now critically overburdened. As the crew grapples with the impossible decision of how to handle the situation, tensions rise, and moral dilemmas come to the forefront. The limited oxygen supply means that unless they find a solution, all four of them could perish before reaching their destination.

The film delves into the ethical and emotional challenges faced by the crew as they weigh the value of one life against the survival of the group. Zoe, in particular, becomes the moral center of the story, advocating for finding a way to save Michael rather than sacrificing him to save themselves. Meanwhile, David focuses on scientific solutions, and Marina bears the burden of command, knowing that any decision could lead to disaster.

“Stowaway” is a slow-burn thriller that explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the ethical complexities of space exploration. The confined setting of the spacecraft amplifies the tension, with the characters’ internal struggles mirroring the external dangers they face. The film’s realistic depiction of space travel, combined with strong performances from the cast, creates an immersive and emotionally charged narrative.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Stowaway” are subtle but effective, contributing to the film’s realistic portrayal of space travel. The spacecraft’s design is meticulously detailed, with a focus on creating a believable and functional environment for the characters. The film uses CGI to depict the vastness of space and the external shots of the spaceship, but it avoids flashy visuals in favor of a more grounded, atmospheric approach. The scenes involving spacewalks and the characters’ interactions with the ship’s systems are tense and well-executed, enhancing the sense of danger and isolation.

Box Office Performance
“Stowaway” was released directly to streaming platforms, including Netflix, due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film garnered attention for its compelling premise and strong performances, particularly from Anna Kendrick and Toni Collette. While it did not have a traditional box office run, it found a global audience through streaming and received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised the film’s moral dilemmas and character-driven narrative.

Filming Locations

• Munich, Bavaria, Germany (studio and set locations)

Notable Quotes

• “I can’t just give up on him like that. I can’t.” – Zoe Levenson
• “This mission was supposed to be bigger than us.” – David Kim

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Joe Penna, known for his minimalist and intense storytelling in “Arctic,” brought a similar approach to “Stowaway,” focusing on the psychological and ethical dimensions of the story. The film was shot in Germany, where the spacecraft set was meticulously constructed to reflect the realistic constraints of space travel. The cast underwent extensive preparation to portray the physical and mental challenges of astronauts, with Anna Kendrick and Daniel Dae Kim studying space travel procedures and the effects of prolonged isolation in space. The film’s script, co-written by Penna and Ryan Morrison, was developed over several years, with an emphasis on realism and the moral complexities of survival.

Awards
“Stowaway” did not receive major awards but was noted for its strong performances and its thought-provoking exploration of survival in space.

Final Verdict
“Stowaway” is a compelling sci-fi drama that balances tension with ethical and emotional depth. While it may not feature the high-octane action typical of space thrillers, its focus on character and moral dilemmas offers a refreshing take on the genre. The film’s strong performances, particularly from Anna Kendrick and Toni Collette, help to anchor the narrative, making it an engaging watch for those who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. The realistic depiction of space travel and the film’s exploration of difficult choices make “Stowaway” a gripping and contemplative experience.

IMDb Rating
5.6/10