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Fly Me to the Moon (2024) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Fly Me to the Moon (2024) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2024 · 2 h 12 m · English
Echo score 56
JustWatch #5,953 16
Directed by
Greg Berlanti
Starring
Stephanie Kurtzuba, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Noah Robbins
Budget
$100M

NASA’s image guru Kelly Jones works to restore the agency's reputation, but finds herself clashing with launch director Cole Davis. As the pressure mounts, she devises a risky plan to fake a moon landing. A hilarious battle of wits unfolds between the two as chaos ensues.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Fly Me to the Moon
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Fly Me to the Moon (2024)

Where can you watch Fly Me to the Moon? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Apple TV, Apple TV Store and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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5 main characters · contains spoilers

Fly Me to the Moon Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Fly Me to the Moon (2024), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Cole Davis

    played by Channing Tatum

    Cole Davis, played by Channing Tatum, is a veteran NASA employee tasked with overseeing the Apollo 11 mission. He carries the weight of past failures and has a complex personality that intersects ambition with vulnerability. His journey reflects personal growth and the struggle to reconcile professional duties with emotional connections.

    • 🚀 NASA
    • 🤔 Conflicted
  • Kelly Jones

    played by Scarlett Johansson

    Kelly Jones, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, is a clever marketing expert turned public relations strategist for NASA. Her unorthodox methods and determination to break traditional boundaries define her character, as she maneuvers through the male-dominated landscape to assert her influence and legacy. Her resourcefulness and charisma are instrumental in shifting perceptions.

    • 🌟 Marketing
    • 👩‍🎤 Resourceful
  • Ruby Martin

    played by Anna Garcia

    Ruby Martin, played by Anna Garcia, is Kelly's loyal best friend and colleague, providing emotional support and advocacy for their unconventional strategies. Her steadfastness and ability to navigate corporate challenges further solidify their duo's dynamic. Ruby embodies resilience and friendship amidst high-pressure environments.

    • 🤗 Friendship
    • 💼 Supportive
  • Moe Berkus

    played by Woody Harrelson

    Moe Berkus, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, is a charismatic figure who advocates for Kelly's marketing approach to enhance NASA's public image. His persuasive nature and connection to political power add layers of intrigue to the story, showcasing the complexities of his motives and the fine line between loyalty and ambition.

    • 🕴️ Charismatic
    • 💼 Strategic
  • Henry Smalls

    played by Ray Romano

    Henry Smalls, played by Ray Romano, is a deputy launch director at NASA who navigates the intricate dynamics of the Apollo program. His role reveals the tension between traditional methods and innovative tactics. His protective nature also reflects a deeper commitment to the astronauts' legacy and the mission's success.

    • 🚀 Deputy Director
    • 💬 Traditionalist

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:37

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Setting

Where and When Does Fly Me to the Moon Take Place?

The setting of Fly Me to the Moon (2024): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1960s

The 1960s was a decade marked by the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, especially evident in the space race. This era saw ambitious goals like landing on the Moon and the tumultuous backdrop of events such as the Vietnam War, shaping public discourse and morale amid technological pursuits.

Location

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. serves as the political heart of the United States, known for its iconic monuments and museums. It plays a crucial role during pivotal moments in history, especially in navigating the space race during the 1960s. The city’s atmosphere buzzes with intense political negotiations and groundbreaking scientific advancements.

  • 🏛️ Capital
  • 🚀 Space Exploration

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:37

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3 major themes

Fly Me to the Moon Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Fly Me to the Moon (2024) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Ambition

    Ambition drives the characters as they strive for extraordinary goals amidst a competitive atmosphere. Kelly and Cole's determination reflects the larger ambitions of NASA during the space race. Their relationship also showcases personal ambitions intertwined with professional goals, propelling them toward significant achievements.

  • Collaboration

    Collaboration becomes essential within the competitive environment of NASA, where diverse talents converge to drive the Apollo 11 mission. The partnership between Kelly and Cole evolves into a powerful alliance, as they navigate complex dynamics while relying on each other's strengths. It ultimately demonstrates how unity can transcend individual expertise.

  • Deception

    Deception plays a crucial role as Kelly adopts a false identity to achieve her goals in a male-dominated industry. This theme highlights the lengths individuals may go to in pursuit of success, including the morally gray decisions made for greater outcomes. It questions the integrity of appearances versus the reality of intentions.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:37

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Character & theme questions

Fly Me to the Moon Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Fly Me to the Moon (2024): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is this movie set?

The movie is set primarily in Washington D.C., which serves as the political center of the United States during the 1960s space race. This setting is significant because it places the characters in the heart of the nation's political machinery, where NASA decisions were influenced by Cold War politics and the intense pressure to beat the Soviet Union to the Moon.

  • washington dc
  • setting
  • space race
  • 1960s
Q2

What time period does the story take place in?

The story is set in the 1960s, during the height of the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. This era was defined by the space race, with the Apollo 11 mission representing one of the most ambitious technological goals in human history. The decade also included events like the Vietnam War that shaped public discourse and national morale.

  • 1960s
  • time period
  • cold war
  • space race
Q3

What is the main theme of the movie?

Ambition is a central theme, driving characters like Kelly Jones and Cole Davis as they pursue extraordinary goals within NASA's competitive environment. Their personal ambitions become intertwined with professional objectives, propelling them toward significant achievements while navigating the high-stakes pressure of the Apollo 11 mission.

  • ambition
  • theme
  • nasa
  • goals
Q4

How does collaboration factor into the story?

Collaboration becomes essential within NASA's competitive environment, where diverse talents must work together to drive the Apollo 11 mission forward. The partnership between Kelly and Cole evolves from professional rivalry into a powerful alliance, demonstrating how unity and mutual reliance can transcend individual expertise to achieve monumental goals.

  • collaboration
  • teamwork
  • partnership
  • nasa
Q5

What role does deception play in the film?

Deception plays a crucial role as Kelly Jones adopts unconventional methods, including presenting a false image to navigate the male-dominated industry. This theme highlights the lengths individuals may go to in pursuit of success, raising questions about appearances versus reality and the morally gray decisions made for what characters believe are greater outcomes.

  • deception
  • identity
  • strategy
  • marketing
Q6

Who is Kelly Jones in the movie?

Kelly Jones, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a clever marketing expert turned public relations strategist for NASA. She brings unorthodox methods to the male-dominated space program, using her resourcefulness and charisma to shift public perceptions. Her determination to break traditional boundaries defines her character as she asserts her influence and legacy within the agency.

  • kelly jones
  • scarlett johansson
  • character
  • nasa pr
Q7

Who is Cole Davis?

Cole Davis, played by Channing Tatum, is a veteran NASA employee tasked with overseeing the Apollo 11 mission. He carries the weight of past failures and possesses a complex personality that blends ambition with vulnerability. His journey involves personal growth as he struggles to reconcile his professional duties with emerging emotional connections.

  • cole davis
  • channing tatum
  • character
  • launch director
Q8

What is the central premise of the movie?

The central premise involves NASA PR expert Kelly Jones devising a risky plan to fake the moon landing in order to restore the agency's reputation during a time of intense public scrutiny. This creates a hilarious battle of wits between Kelly and launch director Cole Davis as chaos ensues, blending the high-stakes historical context with comedic and romantic elements.

  • fake moon landing
  • premise
  • conspiracy
  • plot
Q9

What genre does this movie fall into?

Fly Me to the Moon is a comedy and romance film that balances the serious backdrop of the space race with humor and romantic storytelling. The film maintains a light tone overall, driven by the playful dynamic between the leads, while incorporating moments of tension related to the conspiracy and historical pressure surrounding the Apollo 11 mission.

  • comedy
  • romance
  • genre
  • tone
Q10

Who is Ruby Martin in the story?

Ruby Martin, played by Anna Garcia, is Kelly Jones's loyal best friend and colleague at NASA. She provides emotional support and advocates for their unconventional strategies. Ruby embodies resilience and friendship amidst high-pressure environments, helping navigate corporate challenges while solidifying the duo's dynamic.

  • ruby martin
  • anna garcia
  • character
  • support
Q11

Who is Moe Berkus?

Moe Berkus, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, is a charismatic figure who advocates for Kelly's marketing approach to enhance NASA's public image. His persuasive nature and connection to political power add layers of intrigue, showcasing the complexities of his motives and the fine line between loyalty and ambition within the space program.

  • moe berkus
  • woody harrelson
  • character
  • marketing

Movie threads

More Movies Like Fly Me to the Moon, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Fly Me to the Moon tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Witty Workplace Romances Under Pressure like Fly Me to the Moon

Professionals clash and connect under the stress of high-stakes careers. If you liked the chemistry between Kelly and Cole in Fly Me to the Moon, explore more movies like it. This collection features charming romantic comedies where professional ambition and a battle of wits set the stage for love in high-stakes workplace environments.

  • romantic
  • humorous
  • energetic
  • confident
  • tense
  • uplifting
  • Tone: light, humorous
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: This thread groups movies where the central love story develops between two capable individuals who initially butt heads in a professional setting. The narrative arc typically moves from antagonism and competition to mutual respect and romance, all while navigating external pressures that test their skills and relationship.

Why they belong together: These films share a specific blend of LIGHT tone, MEDIUM intensity from workplace stakes, and a STEADY, character-driven pace. They balance romantic tension with humorous, energetic competition, resulting in a satisfying and HAPPY ending where professional and personal success go hand-in-hand.

High-Stakes Historical Farce and Deception like Fly Me to the Moon

Absurd schemes and madcap plans unfold against a vivid historical backdrop. For fans of the fake moon landing plot in Fly Me to the Moon, this thread gathers similar movies with comedic capers set in the past. Discover historical comedies and satires where ambitious characters execute risky, ridiculous plans that play with real events for a fun and energetic vibe.

  • humorous
  • energetic
  • confident
  • nostalgic
  • tense
  • uplifting
  • Tone: light, whimsical
  • Pacing: steady, farcical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Movies in this thread often feature a protagonist with a bold, if not entirely ethical, plan to manipulate a public event or perception for personal or professional gain. The plot revolves around the execution of this scheme, the ensuing chaos, and the eventual resolution which often exposes the absurdity of the situation while allowing the characters to triumph.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their unique blend of a historical or period setting with a LIGHT, comedic tone. They share a MODERATE complexity from the intricate plot mechanics, a STEADY pace that builds the farce, and a consistent mood that is energetic, humorous, confident, and slightly nostalgic.

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Movies Like Fly Me to the Moon

Similar movies to Fly Me to the Moon: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Fly Me to the Moon (2024) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Fly Me to the Moon in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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