Netflix has brought us yet another fascinating tale that is empowering, inspiring, thought-provoking and extremely heartwarming. The new series, AWAY, stars Hilary Swank as astronaut Emma Green, who has a chance to achieve her lifelong dream of leading a mission to Mars. This, however, will not be without its difficulties. And Emma will have to go through plenty of trials and tribulations on her road to greatness.
The series, created by Andrew Hinderaker, explores the complex relations, the innerworkings and dynamics of Green’s family, as well as those of the international crew on the first mission to Mars, under Green’s leadership. Green’s husband, Matt Logan, played by Josh Charles, and her teenage daughter Lex Logan, played by Talitha Bateman, are both left behind on Earth as Emma leads a three-year mission to Mars. Logan is also an astronaut, prevented from going on the mission by health issues, but his on-ground work is still vital for the mission. And so, Emma and her husband are still working together, despite the distances. Meanwhile their daughter Lex is going through a difficult time herself, trying to navigate coming-of-age without her parents’ essential attention.
The theme of human camaraderie is strongly present, as we see the crew consisting of members from the US, Russia, China, India, and Great Britain. However, their struggles begin to show as the pressures of isolation and the mission itself start to sink in. As they struggle for survival and completing the mission as the entire world watches, we get an insightful look into each of their personalities.
The show takes a scrutinizing look at humankind through dissecting the personal and professional relationships showcased within it, all set to an incredible backdrop of space exploration
The show takes a scrutinizing look at humankind through dissecting the personal and professional relationships showcased within it, all set to an incredible backdrop of space exploration. One which was so finely woven with the help of actual astronauts who worked as consultants on the project.
I’ve said in press interviews that I always wanted to be an actor, but before knowing this, when I was five years old, all I wanted to be was an astronaut
AWAY portrays a modern-day working mother. Showing her struggles, hopes and dreams, as well as the pressure placed upon her. The role seems perfect for Hilary Swank, seeing her previous works and how strong and impactful they were, knowing her ability of portraying such complex characters with grace and ease. It is even more fitting, as Hilary actually wished one day to be in Emma Green’s shoes as a child. “I’ve said in press interviews that I always wanted to be an actor, but before knowing this, when I was five years old, all I wanted to be was an astronaut.” Now she gets to live that dream, and explore what it could be like for herself. We are thrilled that we get to experience AWAY with her, and cannot wait to binge it all!