“It’s a superb film with a great cast and excellent execution.”

A drama about family, loss and interplanetary space travel. When Nell is offered her dream job she's faced with a daunting task: telling her family that she'll have to relocate.

Director Aidan Hawkins ‘Grounded’ focusses on a dramatic family dilemma and mixes it with an exciting Sci-Fi concept that gives the genre a unique approach to what can be achieved. What’s most impressive is the subtle use of Sci-Fi storytelling as it’s only used to ignite the story which plays out like a drama. It makes this film truly unique and an easy watch for even casual viewers.

Hawkins direction with the story is clear and well executed, allowing for a powerful story that feels raw and natural. The backstory that is weaved into the film from our lead character Nell gives us plenty of depth to the family dynamic which plays out realistically. There is good reason for drama in this film and doesn’t feel awkwardly thrown in simply to have powerful moments. The story is thorough without giving too much exposition, giving us a memorable film that deserves a second watch.

The cast of Erin Elkin (Nell), Ian Laing (John) and Dom Fraser (Josh) are expertly cast and all have a good sense of familiarity with each other, something that is essential for this film. They play their roles exceptionally well and create a natural family that has history. The writing from Alexander Wedlock is solid and takes its time to craft the story by keeping us in tune with Nell before making her decision. The editing is something that stood out, especially the scene where Nell is contemplating the opinions of her Brother and Father. It flows really well and is a unique approach to crafting the scene.

The use of the location is well chosen and feels quite fitting. By keeping the film set in the woods, it gives a futuristic outlook that presents many other questions to the backstory. It doesn’t feel overused and gives us a wonderful colour pallette that’s rich and natural.

The cinematography by Geet Suri is superb. There is a real subtle approach to capturing this film that doesn’t feel too technical for the sake of it. Instead, Suri allows for the performances to be the main focus which is something that should always be considered. The use of lighting is also worth noting as filming outside can present many challenges. However in this film it all works seamlessly.

The score by Álvaro Rodriguez Cabezas fits the mood and tone perfectly, creating a dramatic Sci-Fi theme that is both subtle and abstract. This really elevates the overall production of the film and performances. The sound design by Leonardo D’Andrea fits harmoniously which like the score, isn’t overstated. The sound was given a lot of focus in this film and rightly so.

Overall, ‘Grounded’ is a wonderful example of ‘less is more’ by keeping the film character focussed and not overusing effects simply because it’s Sci-Fi. The story could work in any situation but Aidan Hawkins injects just the right amount of flare to make this one memorable. It’s a superb film with a great cast and excellent execution…

— APEX Film Awards