Thomas Storai 
“A Million Miles Away is an inspiring film about following your dreams and never giving up. It’s based on the life of astronaut José Hernández who achieved the impossible in the face of adversity. Michael Peña delivers an exceptional performance.”
A Million Miles Away is a biopic about NASA astronaut José Hernández. It is based on the book ‘
FOLLOW YOU DREAMS
A Million Miles Away follows José Hernández from his childhood working with his parents in the fields to being an astronaut more than 200 miles above Earth. Throughout his life, José has met people who had an impact on him and experiences that shaped him. It’s a big story spanning decades. Even though the film is only 2 hours long, it takes its time to explore each part of Hernández’s life.
His childhood is so important because it is what sets him on this path. But it also shows where he started – being from a family of Mexican migrant farmworkers who had to move often for work. It is just incredible to see his journey. Undoubtedly, it is one of a kind. This is a film about following your dreams, fighting for them and never giving up no matter the odds. There is no story more inspiring than José Hernández’s story. Everyone in this film has done a fantastic work to bring this story to the screen. There might have been a few scenes when some happy tears were coming out of my eyes. I can guarantee you that by the time the credits roll, this film will have lift your spirits.
Moreover, with his wife Adela, there is also the idea of following your dreams. Even though, she has to put her dream on the side for a while, she has her own goal. She plays an important part in José’s life as the family anchor’s and his ultimate support. They go on this journey together.
AN IMMIGRANT STORY
José is in a predominantly white environment. Thus, as a migrant, he had to work harder than anyone else to become an astronaut. It means making sacrifices that others don’t have to make. Everyone at work underestimates him, they see the Mexican guy and not the engineer that he is. We see him trying to fit in with the car he drives, the songs he plays, what he eats… Because if he fits in, people around him will not see him as the Mexican guy but as one of them. It is a hard environment to evolve in. Ultimately, José Hernández realizes that it’s his heritage that makes him who he is. That’s what sets him apart from the others. And that’s his strength. So, it is also a powerful story of hard-won representation.
CAST
Furthermore, Michael Peña delivers an exceptional performance. He really has put his heart into this role. You can feel that throughout the film. But, I have to mention Rosa Salazar too. She delivers a heartfelt performance as Adela. She is as much the heart of this story as Peña. This film works because they both are great actors.
Because, it spans decades this means we see José and Adela at different stages of their life. Thus, we see them in their twenties. It’s Peña and Salazar playing them at that age too. For Salazar, the make-up and hairstylist teams have done an impressive work. She really feels younger in these scenes. As the story progresses, her ageing feels natural. However, it’s for Michael Peña that there is a problem. He doesn’t look much younger when his character is supposed to be in his twenties. With the de-aging technology we have nowadays or even with make-up, they could have done a better work on him especially since the work on Salazar is so well done.
VERDICT
A Million Miles Away is an inspiring film about following your dreams and never giving up. It’s based on the life of astronaut José Hernández who achieved the impossible in the face of adversity. If you are looking for a feel-good story, this is the one. Without any doubt, it will lift your spirits. Michael Peña delivers an exceptional performance. Rosa Salazar is heartfelt as Adela, José’s wife.
A Million Miles Away releases September 15 on Prime Video.
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Star Wars and Marvel specialist, anime expert
