First Man

First Man

Year: 2018

Runtime: 141 min

Language: English

Director: Damien Chazelle

BiographyDramaHistory

In the lead-up to the 1969 moon landing, skilled test pilot Neil Armstrong dedicates himself to NASA's ambitious program. He endures rigorous training and perilous test flights, pushing the boundaries of human achievement. The film chronicles his journey and the sacrifices made as he prepares for the historic Apollo 11 mission alongside Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. On July 20, 1969, the world watches as Armstrong takes humanity's first steps on the lunar surface.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen First Man yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – First Man (2018)

Trace every key event in First Man (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Neil Armstrong's X-15 Flight

In 1961, NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong takes to the skies in the X-15 rocket plane. Reaching an impressive altitude of 140,000 feet, he pushes the boundaries of winged flight before encountering turbulence and demonstrating remarkable skill by safely re-entering the atmosphere.

1961 Mojave Desert
2

Personal Tragedy Strikes

Amidst his professional challenges, Neil faces an intense personal crisis as his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Karen, battles a brain tumor. Despite his thorough search for treatments and meticulous documentation of her symptoms, he is devastated when she passes away shortly after.

3

Joining Project Gemini

Following the tragedy of losing his daughter, Neil Armstrong decides to join Project Gemini and is welcomed into NASA Astronaut Group 2. His strong engineering background catches the attention of Bob Gilruth, who values Neil's insights on lunar exploration.

4

Forming Bonds in Houston

Accompanied by his wife Janet and their son Rick, Neil moves to Houston, where he quickly forms friendships with fellow astronauts like Elliot See and Ed White. Together, they begin the rigorous training mandated for Project Apollo, competing in the Space Race against the Soviet Union.

Houston
5

Intensive Training Begins

In 1964, Armstrong faces a demanding training schedule that challenges his limits as he works with multi-axle simulators to refine his skills. By being the first to tackle rigorous training tasks, he exemplifies his dedication, all while experiencing the joys of welcoming another son, Mark.

1964
6

Awaiting Mission Assignments

By the year 1965, the Armstrong family settles into their new lives in Houston; however, they remain in suspense, eagerly waiting for mission assignments as the Soviet Union continues to score achievements in space exploration. Neil learns that he will command Gemini 8, partnering with David Scott.

1965 Houston
7

Tragic Loss of Colleagues

Tragedy strikes when Elliot See and Charles Bassett perish in a T-38 crash, deeply affecting Armstrong. Their loss weighs heavily on him as he prepares for the challenges of his impending mission with newfound determination and responsibility.

8

Gemini 8 Mission

As Gemini 8 launches into space, Neil and his co-pilot successfully execute a critical docking exercise. However, complications arise when the spacecraft begins spinning uncontrollably, and Neil employs the Reentry Control System Thrusters, averting disaster and ensuring a safe return.

9

Apollo 1 Tragedy

Neil receives the harrowing news of the Apollo 1 tragedy, where astronauts Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee lose their lives in a fire during a rehearsal test. This devastating event occurs while Neil is attending a White House event, compelling him to reflect on the inherent dangers of space exploration.

White House
10

Narrow Escape from Death

In the following year, Neil narrowly escapes death during an ejection from a Lunar Landing Research Vehicle, a close call that underscores the perils of his profession. His perseverance results in him being selected as commander for the historic Apollo 11 mission.

11

Family Tensions Before Launch

As the Apollo 11 mission nears, tension grows in the Armstrong household. Janet expresses her concerns about the risks associated with the mission, leading to a fraught conversation before Neil says goodbye to their young sons.

12

Launch of Apollo 11

On launch day, Apollo 11 embarks on its momentous journey to the Moon, reaching its destination by the fourth day. Neil and Buzz Aldrin navigate the Lunar Module Eagle towards the lunar surface, encountering a field of boulders that necessitates quick thinking and manual control.

13

Historic Moon Landing

Neil Armstrong successfully lands the Lunar Module on the Moon, famously declaring, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' as he becomes the first human to set foot on the lunar surface. In a symbolic gesture, he leaves his daughter's bracelet in the Little West crater.

Moon
14

Returning Home and Reflection

After completing their historic mission, Neil and the crew undergo quarantine, reflecting on their incredible journey. They watch the impactful footage of President John F. Kennedy's speech about going to the Moon, sharing a tender moment with Janet amidst the chaos of their triumphant return.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:48

Unlock the Full Story of First Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore First Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what First Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

First Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of First Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

First Man Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in First Man

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape First Man. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in First Man

First Man Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of First Man? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

First Man Ending Explained

More About First Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about First Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About First Man

Similar Movies to First Man

Discover movies like First Man that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.