"the film is a feast for the eyes, allowing a stunning, one-of-a-kind look at the Earth in all its complexity and contradictions"

When coordinating all the elements that would comprise A Beautiful Planet, director Toni Myers had one clear objective in mind: To educate people to what is happening to the world we inhabit and inspire generations of people to solve the issues it faces.

Filmed over multiple six-month mission periods, the film is a feast for the eyes, allowing a stunning, one-of-a-kind look at the Earth in all its complexity and contradictions, from weather patterns and distinctions between even neighbouring countries to the effect humans have had on the landscape over the years. To elaborate further would be to rob people of the the surprising wonder and disparity the film demonstrates in its forty-five minute runtime.

CGI is used briefly, but only in demonstrating a potential, worrisome future for the planet and humanity. Everything else is quite literally from an almost god-like view through the eyes of genuine astronauts. All of which is complemented by the familiar, soothing tones of Jennifer Lawrence, though her narration unfortunately leans more into informative, lacking the distinct sparkle of personality and wit she is known for in life.

A Beautiful Planet, however, is more than a film of spectacle. Equally it is an exploration of the daily life and routine upon the international space station, as those on-board go about their non-stop work and find joy and humour in moments as relatable as Christmas, planting crops, and encounters with espresso machines.

Astronaut Samantha is definitely a compelling, eloquent standout, though each individual has a distinct voice and personality. All of which adds layers of humanity to the film that, whilst wholly unscripted, puts it on par with such highly-acclaimed fiction as Gravity and The Martian. Never before has the now-familiar sight of a space-walk felt so viscerally exhilarating and physically tense. And nor will it, especially when viewed in the recommended IMAX on which 'A Beautiful Planet' was filmed and intended to be seen.

All in all, 'A Beautiful Planet' lives up to its name in more ways than one. And it's impossible to deny that Toni Myers and NASA have succeeded in their ambitions, creating informative and fascinating film that instills a sense of awe and responsibility that lingers long after the credits have rolled.