The Aeronauts

In 1862 London, Amelia and her sister Antonia board a carriage for a mysterious journey. Despite Antonia's encouragement, Amelia experiences anxiety and is compelled to exit the carriage before the balloon launch.

Meanwhile, aspiring meteorologist James Glaisher anxiously waits with his friend John amid a throng of spectators. The energy is palpable as people anticipate the balloon launch, but Glaisher feels uncertain about the impending ascent.

Amelia arrives at the launch site as the balloon's pilot, making a stunning entrance that captivates the crowd. This moment is met with mixed feelings from James, who is both impressed and reserved.

Despite her memories of her late husband Pierre, Amelia proceeds with the thrilling balloon launch. The excitement builds as James and Amelia prepare for their ascent into the sky.

In a flashback, James attempts to present his innovative weather prediction theory at the Royal Society. However, his ideas are met with laughter and derision, particularly from Charles Green, leaving James feeling disheartened.

As the balloon takes off, James and Amelia ascend rapidly through the clouds, reaching 5,450 feet within nine minutes. Their initial joy soon turns to concern as they encounter a fierce storm that threatens their safety.

In a bid to ensure their safety, James uses pigeons to send messages detailing their altitude and scientific findings. This precaution reflects his scientific mindset, even in the midst of their perilous flight.

While soaring at a high altitude, James and Amelia discover a current filled with butterflies. This moment of unlikely beauty strengthens their bond and allows James to momentarily set aside his scientific anxieties.

The balloon exceeds 23,000 feet, breaking previous records. However, the celebration is short-lived as temperatures plunge, leading Amelia to realize they are unprepared for the extreme cold.

As they reach 26,500 feet, tensions boil over due to the cold and James's insistence on continuing their ascent. Their heated argument reveals deep-seated emotions and concerns about ambition and safety.

During a pivotal moment of their argument, Amelia recounts how her late husband Pierre had saved her during a critical balloon flight. This story helps James regain his composure and agree to descend promptly.

Facing a critical situation with a frozen gas release valve, Amelia bravely navigates outside the balloon to fix the issue. Though she risks her life, she loses consciousness but is saved by being tethered to the balloon.

Upon awakening, Amelia successfully rouses James just as they begin to face the consequences of excessive gas loss. They make crucial decisions to stabilize their descent and ultimately crash through the trees.

Both survivors emerge from the crash injured yet thankful for their lives. Amelia reflects on how James's groundbreaking research has paved the way for modern weather reporting, emphasizing their journey's significance.

The film culminates with James delivering a successful presentation at the Royal Society, finally earning the respect and admiration of his peers. He and Amelia then embark on another adventure, symbolizing their bond.