Apollo 11

Currently Showing on NetFlix (UK) available for rent on other platforms.

They say the sign of a good documentary is that it will capture your attention even if you know nothing about the subject, but perhaps the sign of an even better one is when you do know something of the topic it still fascinates and surprises.

Todd Douglas Miller does that and more in this fabulous documentary released in cinemas last year to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the July 20th Moon landing of the Apollo 11 mission.

It is a story told solely with footage of the day including much never before seen material, there is no modern voiceover or contemporary interviews and this enables Apollo 11 to brilliantly capture the sounds, colours and feel of the era.

The film tells this incredible story through the first hand experiences of all of those involved, not their re-telling of it but their actual experience, from the build up to the launch, the buzz, anticipation and excitement, the power of the take off, through to the patience of the flight and the tension that comes with every decision and of course the wonder of the landing and the triumph of the successful return of the astronauts.

Apollo 11 paints a picture of this incredible feat of engineering and human endeavour perfectly, the complexity of the task, the innovation required to overcome the challenges and the incredible control and calm of the 3 astronauts doing something that nobody in history had ever done, with all the risk and uncertainty that entails.

Apollo 11 does all the things you want from a documentary, telling a story brilliantly, providing insights into its topic and keeping you entertained, intrigued and engrossed throughout.

If the Apollo missions are of interest to you then this is a must see telling of the story, if not and you just enjoy seeing a fantastic story of bravery and innovation then i’d definitely give it a watch.