The world has changed dramatically since the early days of space exploration, but humanity remains fascinated with its vast possibilities. Whether they are real or fictional, we want to see tenacious explorers reach the boundaries of the Universe. It’s a tradition that dates back to at least 1969, when some 600 million people around the world tuned in to watch astronaut Neil Armstrong make his historic first steps on the moon’s surface.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and space exploration remains a popular trope in various forms of media, from novels to streaming platforms and the big screen. As a whole, audiences are interested in the potential benefits of space exploration, in terms of scientific and technological advancements, as well as our overall understanding of the cosmos.
Yet the final frontier can also be a lonely place, or so Hollywood would have us believe. When dealing with the depiction of outer space on screen, directors often emphasize the barren, vast emptiness that weighs heavily on human emotions. Movies depicting isolation in space can profoundly affect us, perhaps even challenging our perception of what it means to be human.
Let’s take a look at how the theme of isolation is used to drive the plot of myriad sci-fi movies and TV shows, and how filmmakers can help support scientific exploration rather than sow fear.
Why Space Exploration is So Important
Despite its out-of-this-world nature, space exploration has numerous practical applications. Thanks to research conducted outside of Earth’s gravity, humanity has made huge strides in a wide range of scientific disciplines, such as biomedical engineering. In space exploration settings, biomedical engineers perform numerous duties, including developing starship medical systems and working to stop contagious diseases in their tracks.
Whether in orbit or on the ground, biomedical engineers are at the forefront of disease eradication, which is more relevant than ever under the continued threat of Covid-19. Diseases can be spread under a variety of conditions, and numerous unknown factors exist within the discipline. Thus, the vacuum of space offers biomedical engineers a unique perspective towards complete eradication, allowing observation of the disease under various conditions.
Audiences are also drawn to the prospect of artificial intelligence, as it relates to both scientific progress and companionship. To better cope with isolation, many on-screen space explorers use drones and technology to keep them company. Think about it: Sharing your thoughts and feelings with a computer or drone beats talking to yourself, and can improve overall wellbeing.
Emotion, Isolation, and Companionship in Space
The damaging effects of isolation are so well understood that a special droid was developed in 2019 to help improve morale among astronauts on the International Space Station, while also performing additional duties. According to Reuters, the droid, known as the Crew Interactive Mobile Companion (CIMON) 2, is reportedly “sociable” and will test technologies that may combat the negative effects of long-term isolation.
Potential droid companions notwithstanding, sci-fi films featuring isolation as a central theme are often big-ticket commodities come awards season. For example, Moon received numerous accolades throughout 2010, including BAFTA’s Outstanding Debut award for director Duncan Jones. And Gravity, one of the most acclaimed modern films featuring isolation in space, won seven Oscars in 2014.
Interestingly, that’s exactly the number of cast members in Gravity, only two of which appear on screen in any capacity. At its core, Gravity is Sandra Bullock’s movie: Portraying astronaut (and biomedical engineer) Ryan Stone, Bullock spends much of the film all by herself, trapped inside a spacesuit, adrift from her shuttle. As Stone continues to drift and all hope of rescue seems lost, audiences begin to feel fear and uncertainty alongside the isolated space explorer. It makes for a powerful film.
Lost in Space: Looking to the Future
As it stands, however, Bullock’s Stone had it easy. Several other fictional astronauts were in isolation for lengthy periods, typically to the detriment of their mental health. In The Martian, botanist Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is left for dead and stranded on Mars, with only his video camera to talk to. Eventually, he makes contact with NASA, and his hope of rescue is restored as the (fictional) world looks on. During his time in isolation, Watney experiences bouts of sadness, anger, hopelessness, and more.
Although the exploration of Mars remains squarely in the realm of science fiction, for now, we also owe much to the genre. We may even see insect drones on Mars in the near future, as well as robotic, autonomous pollinators that strongly resemble terrestrial bees. These tiny mechanical drones can breach the atmosphere of Mars without the worry of oxygen content and/or the safety of human space explorers.
For every on-screen starship crew made up of an ensemble cast, a lone astronaut is trying to keep it together in the face of adversity. Sometimes, explorers lost in space can communicate on some level, with an intelligent computer or similar tech. Others are completely alone, giving filmmakers the perfect tool to explore the wide range of human emotions that typically accompany isolation.