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Fly Me to the Moon (2024) movie poster

Timeline

Fly Me to the Moon (2024) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2024 · 2 h 12 m · English
Echo score 56
JustWatch #5,964 102
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 (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Fly Me to the Moon
  6. 6 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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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Fly Me to the Moon Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Fly Me to the Moon (2024) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. The 1960s Space Race Intensifies

    As the 1960s Space Race reaches a turning point, the Soviet Union successfully sends a human astronaut into orbit, showcasing their technological achievements. The United States responds by ramping up efforts towards lunar exploration, setting the stage for the fierce competition that lies ahead.

    When
    1960s
  2. Tragic Loss of Apollo 1

    The Apollo 1 mission ends in tragedy when a cabin fire claims the lives of three brave astronauts during a pre-launch test. This devastating incident highlights the array of dangers and challenges facing NASA as they navigate their complex technical endeavors in the Space Race.

    When
    1967
    Where
    Cape Canaveral, Florida
  3. Cole Davis and the Apollo 11 Mission

    Amidst the turmoil, Cole Davis, a veteran at NASA, is tasked with overseeing the monumental Apollo 11 mission. His responsibility is immense as he grapples with the pressure of leading the United States in its quest to land on the moon.

    Where
    NASA Headquarters
  4. Kelly Jones Enters the Scene

    Cunning marketing expert Kelly Jones devises unconventional strategies to help NASA broaden its appeal. She boldly enters a crucial meeting with a major auto manufacturer, donning a pregnancy disguise and pitching a daring vision for expanding their customer base.

  5. A Game-Changing Proposition

    Meeting with Moe Berkus, who claims to represent President Nixon, Kelly is presented with a transformative opportunity. Moe suggests leveraging Kelly's talents to enhance NASA's public image right before the Apollo 11 launch, thrusting her into a central role in the agency's public relations efforts.

    Where
    Washington D.C.
  6. Navigating NASA's Bureaucracy

    As Kelly begins her new role at NASA, she faces the daunting task of adapting to a starkly different workplace environment. Tensions arise between her and Cole as they engage in awkward interactions, challenging both their professional and personal boundaries.

    Where
    NASA Headquarters
  7. Conflict Over Unconventional Tactics

    Cole and Deputy Launch Director Henry Smalls express concern over Kelly's unconventional approach, particularly her decision to hire an actor for a staged news event. This moment sparks a power struggle, forcing both Kelly and the team to reconsider their methods within NASA's hierarchy.

  8. Building Relationships and Trust

    As Kelly and Cole work closely together, they begin to form an unexpected bond, sharing personal stories during breaks. However, this connection is tested when Kelly suggests capturing a picture of Earth from the moon, a proposal that Cole firmly rejects.

    Where
    Boardwalk
  9. Diving into Each Other's Past

    During a heartfelt conversation, Kelly learns about Cole's past as a pilot who had to abandon his dreams. Their discussion provides deeper insight into Cole's character, revealing his diverse interests, including his passion for gardening in remembrance of the Apollo 1 victims.

  10. Political Maneuvering for Support

    With the arrival of Senator Hopp, Kelly impresses him with her feigned nostalgia, opening doors for further political endorsements. Cole and Kelly's tactical efforts pay off as they successfully secure votes from influential senators, advancing their mission.

  11. Tension and Romance Amidst Success

    After navigating political challenges, a romantic moment develops between Kelly and Cole when they celebrate a successful meeting with Senator Vanning. Their budding relationship becomes more complicated as Kelly is reminded of the dangers attached to their shared secrets.

    Where
    Senator Vanning's residence
  12. Facing the Dilemma of Project Artemis

    Kelly's encounter with Moe unveils 'Project Artemis,' a contingency plan to simulate a moon landing, pushing her into a moral quandary. The pressure mounts as she is compelled to comply with the risky scheme, sparking a chain of events that tests her resourcefulness.

  13. A Defining Reveal

    As the countdown to the fake moon landing approaches, Kelly discloses her true identity to Cole, shocking him with this betrayal. Faced with the gravity of their situation, Cole decides to support Kelly in averting the catastrophic fallout of a fraudulent mission.

  14. Chaos on the Fake Landing Set

    While attempting a daring scheme to acquire necessary equipment during the Apollo 11 launch, chaos ensues when a stray black cat appears unexpectedly on set. The moment serves as a pivotal juncture for the crew, amplifying the tensions already at play.

    Where
    Fake moon landing set
  15. The Dawn of a New Beginning

    With the triumph of Apollo 11's successful return to Earth, Kelly and Cole share an emotional embrace, intertwining their fates. The achievement marks a significant moment for NASA, restoring a sense of calm and hope in a world filled with uncertainty.

Last updated: November 17, 2024 at 14:00

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Timeline questions answered

Fly Me to the Moon Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Fly Me to the Moon (2024): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Kelly agree to fake the moon landing?

Kelly is blackmailed into participating in Project Artemis. Moe Berkus reveals the contingency plan to her and makes it clear that if she refuses, he will expose her true identity. The exposure would mean imprisonment or treason for Kelly and her team, leaving her with no real choice but to comply.

  • project artemis
  • moe berkus
  • fake moon landing
  • blackmail
  • kelly jones
Q2

What is Project Artemis in the movie?

Project Artemis is a secret government contingency plan to stage a fake moon landing if the actual Apollo 11 mission fails. Moe Berkus presents it as a way to preserve American pride and NASA's reputation should the real mission end in disaster like Apollo 1.

  • project artemis
  • fake moon landing
  • nasa
  • conspiracy
Q3

Why does Cole help Kelly after she reveals her identity?

Despite feeling betrayed by learning that Kelly Jones is a pseudonym, Cole chooses to help her because he cannot allow a fraudulent moon landing to tarnish the legitimate Apollo 11 mission and the memory of the Apollo 1 astronauts. His principles outweigh his personal hurt.

  • cole davis
  • kelly jones
  • betrayal
  • support
  • identity reveal
Q4

Why does Apollo 1 tragedy affect Cole so deeply?

Cole was a former pilot who had to abandon his flying dreams due to medical discoveries. The Apollo 1 fire killed three astronauts he likely knew and worked with, which is why he maintains a garden as a memorial to them and reacts intensely when anyone disrespects their legacy.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes establish Cole's protective stance over the Apollo 1 legacy.

  • apollo 1
  • cole davis
  • astronauts
  • tragedy
  • memory
Q5

Why does Cole refuse Kelly's idea to photograph Earth from the moon?

Cole rejects the proposal because he is deeply committed to the integrity of the actual Apollo 11 mission. He views the suggestion as disrespectful to the real astronauts risking their lives and sees it as another of Kelly's manipulative marketing tactics that undermine NASA's genuine achievements.

  • cole davis
  • earth photo
  • moon
  • mission
  • integrity
Q6

Why does Moe threaten to expose Kelly?

Moe threatens Kelly to ensure she remains committed to Project Artemis. He reminds her that her true identity and involvement in the conspiracy could destroy her life if revealed, using this leverage to keep her compliant with the plan to stage a fake moon landing.

  • moe berkus
  • threat
  • exposure
  • project artemis
  • kelly
Q7

Why is Kelly using a fake name?

Kelly reveals that 'Kelly Jones' is actually a pseudonym she uses for her work as a marketing consultant. Her entire career has been built on creating personas and perceptions, which is why she's so effective at manipulating images but also why her true identity becomes a major point of conflict with Cole.

Foreshadowing: Her marketing tactics throughout the film show her comfort with deception.

  • kelly jones
  • pseudonym
  • identity
  • marketing
  • real name
Q8

What brings Kelly and Cole together?

Kelly and Cole's relationship develops through their work together on the Apollo 11 campaign. They bond during walks on the boardwalk where they share personal stories, Kelly opens up about her childhood that shaped her persuasive abilities, and Cole shares his pilot past. Their romance culminates after successfully securing Senator Vanning's support.

  • kelly jones
  • cole davis
  • romance
  • relationship
  • senators
Q9

How does Kelly secure the senators' support for NASA?

Kelly uses her marketing expertise to win over senators. She feigns nostalgia with Senator Hopp, appeals to Christian values with Senator Vanning, and strategically targets senators like Cook and Hedges. In return for Hedges' support, Cole agrees to an interview with people who owe favors to the senator.

  • senators
  • political support
  • campaign
  • nasa
  • votes
Q10

What causes chaos on the fake moon landing set?

A stray black cat unexpectedly appears on the fake moon landing set during the operation to steal equipment while Apollo 11 launches. The cat startles the crew and draws Moe's attention, creating a critical moment of chaos that nearly exposes their scheme.

  • black cat
  • fake moon landing
  • chaos
  • set
  • Apollo 11
Q11

Why does Kelly wear a pregnancy disguise to the auto meeting?

Before joining NASA, Kelly uses a pregnancy disguise to attend a meeting with a major auto manufacturer. This demonstrates her unconventional, boundary-pushing approach to marketing and establishes her character as someone who uses disguises and manipulation to achieve her goals.

Foreshadowing: This early scene establishes her willingness to deceive for business.

  • pregnancy disguise
  • marketing
  • kelly
  • meeting
  • auto manufacturer
Q12

How is the fake moon landing actually prevented?

After Kelly reveals her true identity, Cole decides to help her stop Project Artemis. Together with Kelly's allies, they execute a scheme to acquire necessary equipment during the Apollo 11 launch. Their plan works because the real mission succeeds, rendering the fake landing unnecessary and allowing them to shut down Project Artemis.

Foreshadowing: Kelly's sketchbook discovery of Ruby's portraits reignites her determination to change course.

  • fake moon landing
  • prevented
  • cole
  • kelly
  • apollo 11
  • success

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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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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