Slingshot

Another examination of the psychological toll of isolation in outer space, Slingshot charts a 1.5 billion-mile journey into madness.

Indeed, the claustrophobic setting and persistent silence lend a palpable unease to this drama set almost entirely inside of a spacecraft in the near-future. Yet while the vessel hurtles through the galaxy at thousands of miles per hour, the film often seems to move in slow motion.

It centers on John (Casey Affleck), an astronaut aboard a ship bound for Titan, the largest moon surrounding Saturn, in order to collect liquid samples that could help stave off global warming on Earth.

Gradually filling in details about the mission and its participants, the film throws out terms like orbital mechanics and reactor outputs to make it sound more legitimate.

The voyage will take years, so everyone on board — including no-nonsense Captain Franks (Laurence Fishburne) and engineer Nash (Tomer Capone) — goes into drug-induced hibernation for months at a time to conserve resources.

As they near Jupiter, and a planned “gravitational slingshottage” from that planet to boost speed for the stretch run, John is struck on the head by a faulty ceiling panel. On-board computer readings show no cause for alarm.

Outside of radio range for guidance, the captain makes the executive decision to continue while Nash demands they abort and return home. “There is a discrepancy between what the ship is telling us and what we’re seeing with our own eyes,” he explains.

Between the paranoia and hallucinations, the fear and distrust, and the uncertainty of the situation, an escalating three-way power struggle emerges. Forced to navigate a maze of shifting loyalties and cloudy motives, their downward spiral exposes inner wounds and causes each of them to question their reality while triggering a desperate quest for survival.

Strong performances create some intriguing character dynamics. In particular, Affleck’s understated portrayal reflects an even-keeled dedication as he keeps his feelings largely internalized.

As directed by Mikael Hafstrom (1408), the film is convincing enough in its science and structure. However, the abundant flashbacks and dream sequences further stall the uneven narrative momentum without boosting the emotional stakes as intended.

Showing how the vastness of space brings out the worst in human nature, Slingshot feels more tedious than provocative as it becomes lost in the cosmos.

Rated R, 108 minutes.