Kate Mara Stars as NASA Veteran Sam Walker in “The Astronaut”
Kate Mara takes on the titular role in the new film “The Astronaut,” portraying NASA veteran Sam Walker. The story begins with Sam’s return to her husband and daughter after a mission aboard the international space station. However, her homecoming takes a dark turn when space debris crashes into Sam’s capsule just before landing, breaking her helmet.
Following the crash, Sam is quarantined and isolated in a remote house for decontamination. Her isolation is overseen by a Pentagon Army General, played by Laurence Fishburne. As events unfold, things become increasingly strange. A bruise on Sam’s hand refuses to heal, and she suddenly develops telekinetic powers. Is her world expanding, or is it shrinking?
“That’s why I was excited to be a part of this story,” Mara, 42, shared during a Zoom interview. “When I read the script, I was surprised by its tone. It starts out one way but then takes some twists and turns, especially toward the end. The surprises really drew me in.”
Mara also appreciated the opportunity to explore a character unlike any she had played before. “I was interested in the physical and emotional experiences astronauts go through when they come back from a mission. That aspect was really intriguing to me.”
Is “The Astronaut” a horror movie? Mara explains, “There are definitely horror elements here, but it also feels like a thriller. It doesn’t stay in one lane. It’s not just a horror movie, which made it even more intriguing — it surprises you with where it’s going.”
Regarding Sam’s family, Mara reveals how the relationship with her husband and child factors into the story. “Much of Sam’s experience—and the film—is about isolation. She’s physically isolated during quarantine, but also figuratively isolated because of her job. Being an astronaut is isolating, both during missions and training. A lot of what she goes through she can’t share with her family.”
“This job takes her away from her family often, creating tension with her husband (played by Gabriel Luna) and distance with her child (Scarlett Holmes). All these emotional complexities play a huge role in where Sam is at this point in her life, adding layers to her experience of isolation after returning from space.”
“The Astronaut” is now available on streaming platforms. Don’t miss Kate Mara’s compelling performance in this gripping sci-fi thriller that defies easy categorization.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/10/29/kate-mara-on-solo-mission-in-the-astronaut/