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The Space Between Us (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The Space Between Us (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 120 min · English
JustWatch #13,192 4
Directed by
Peter Chelsom
Starring
Gary Oldman, Carla Gugino, Asa Butterfield, Brittany Robertson
Budget
$30M

Born on Mars after his astronaut mother's death, Gardner Elliot grew up among a small colony of settlers. Driven by a desire to learn about his father and his origins, he begins searching for answers online. There, he develops an unexpected connection with Tulsa, leading him to secretly journey to Earth. On this unfamiliar planet, Gardner must confront the challenges of a world he was never meant to inhabit, and grapple with the reality of his own fragile existence.

Adventure Sci-Fi Drama Romance Cast, crew & box office
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 The Space Between Us
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Space Between Us (2017)

Where can you watch The Space Between Us? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and Kanopy: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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5 main characters · contains spoilers

The Space Between Us Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The Space Between Us (2017), 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.

  • Gardner Elliot

    Gardner is a curious and intelligent young man raised in isolation on Mars after the death of his mother. His desire to discover his identity and family leads him on an adventurous journey to Earth. Despite his health challenges, Gardner's resilience and determination to connect with others make him a relatable and inspiring character.

    • 👦 Young Adult
    • 🧠 Genius
    • 🔍 Explorer

  • Nathaniel Shepard

    played by Gary Oldman

    Nathaniel is a multi-billionaire and CEO of Genesis who harbors a deep secret about his son, Gardner. His protective nature and internal conflict between his responsibilities and paternal instincts drive much of the story. Nathaniel's character evolves as he faces the consequences of his decisions and ultimately embraces his role as a father.

    • 👔 Businessman
    • 👨‍👦 Father
    • 🤐 Secretive

  • Tulsa

    played by Brittany Robertson

    Tulsa is a savvy and resourceful girl from the foster care system who connects with Gardner online. Her determination and willingness to help Gardner in his quest highlight her courage and sense of adventure. As the story unfolds, she becomes a crucial partner in Gardner's journey, showcasing her strength and loyalty.

    • 👧 Friend
    • 💪 Brave
    • ❤️ Supportive

  • Kendra Wyndham

    played by Carla Gugino

    Kendra is a nurturing astronaut and a key figure in Gardner's life on Mars. She embodies a supportive maternal role as she guides Gardner through his challenges. Her character serves as a stabilizing presence, balancing the demands of her career and her responsibilities to Gardner.

    • 👩‍🚀 Astronaut
    • 👩‍👦 Mentor
    • 🌍 Nurturing

  • Tom Chen

    played by Asa Butterfield

    Tom is a director at Genesis who plays a role in Gardner's training and decisions regarding his future. He represents the corporate side of space exploration and often finds himself caught between Nathaniel's wishes and the need to support Gardner's potential. His character adds tension and highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding Gardner's situation.

    • 👨‍💼 Director
    • 📈 Corporate
    • ⚖️ Ethical Dilemmas

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

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Setting

Where and When Does The Space Between Us Take Place?

The setting of The Space Between Us (2017): 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

Present Day

The events of the movie unfold in contemporary times, reflecting current technological advancements related to space exploration. The narrative captures the ongoing discussions about Mars colonization and the ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific discoveries and human connections in a modern context.

Location

Mars, Earth, Summerland, California, Las Vegas

The movie takes place on Mars, particularly within the scientific facilities where Gardner was raised. Earth scenes unfold in various locations including Summerland, California, known for its scenic beaches, and Las Vegas, famous for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment. These contrasting settings highlight the differences between Gardner's life on Mars and his adventurous journey on Earth.

  • 🌌 Space
  • 🌍 Earth
  • 🌊 Beach
  • 🎰 Entertainment

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

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3 major themes

The Space Between Us Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The Space Between Us (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Identity

    The theme of identity is central to Gardner's journey as he explores his origins and the mystery of his father. Growing up away from Earth, Gardner's quest to learn about his family shapes his aspirations and connections. The film also reflects on the notion of belonging and finding one's place in the universe.

  • Love and Sacrifice

    The movie explores love and sacrifice through Gardner's relationships with his mother, father, and Tulsa. His mother's act of giving birth on Mars sets off a chain of sacrifices, and Gardner's desperation to meet his father highlights the lengths one will go for love. The dynamics of these relationships emphasize emotional resilience amid dire circumstances.

  • Adventure

    Adventure is portrayed in Gardner's bold journey from Mars to Earth and his quest to find his father. The exploration of new worlds, both literally and metaphorically, showcases the thrill of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams, culminating in a life-changing experience that defines his character.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

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Character & theme questions

The Space Between Us Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The Space Between Us (2017): 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 did Gardner grow up on Mars?

Gardner was raised in the scientific facilities of a small colony on Mars, living among the settlers who work there. These facilities represent his entire world and the only environment he knew before traveling to Earth.

  • gardner
  • mars colony
  • mars settlement
  • space colony
Q2

What Earth locations are featured in the movie?

The movie shows Gardner traveling to Summerland, California with its scenic beaches, and Las Vegas known for its vibrant nightlife. These locations contrast sharply with his upbringing on Mars, highlighting the foreign nature of Earth for him.

  • summerland california
  • las vegas
  • earth locations
  • california
Q3

When is The Space Between Us set?

The movie takes place in present day, reflecting current discussions about Mars colonization and contemporary space exploration technology. This modern context makes the premise feel grounded in real-world scientific debates.

  • present day
  • modern
  • time period
  • space exploration
Q4

What is the main theme of identity in the movie?

Identity is central to Gardner's journey as he searches for information about his father and his origins. Growing up isolated on Mars, his quest to understand his family and find where he belongs drives the entire narrative.

  • identity
  • origins
  • belonging
  • family
  • self-discovery
Q5

How does the movie explore love and sacrifice?

The movie explores love and sacrifice through Gardner's relationships with his mother who gave birth on Mars, his father Nathaniel Shepard, and his love interest Tulsa. These relationships show the emotional resilience required when facing difficult circumstances.

  • love
  • sacrifice
  • relationships
  • emotional resilience
Q6

What role does adventure play in the story?

Adventure is portrayed through Gardner's bold journey from Mars to Earth in pursuit of finding his father. This literal journey represents a metaphorical quest for self-discovery and pursuing one's dreams despite overwhelming obstacles.

  • adventure
  • journey
  • self-discovery
  • mars to earth
Q7

Who is Gardner's father?

Gardner's father is Nathaniel Shepard, a multi-billionaire and CEO of the Genesis space program. He has kept his paternity secret throughout Gardner's life, creating tension between his corporate responsibilities and paternal instincts.

  • nathaniel shepard
  • father
  • genesis
  • parentage secret
Q8

Who is Tulsa and what is her role in the movie?

Tulsa is a resourceful girl from the foster care system who meets Gardner online and helps him in his quest to find his father. She accompanies him on his journey to Earth, demonstrating courage, loyalty, and a sense of adventure.

  • tulsa
  • foster care
  • support character
  • adventure partner
Q9

Who is Kendra Wyndham in the story?

Kendra Wyndham is an astronaut who serves as a nurturing maternal figure for Gardner on Mars. She guides him through his challenges and balances her career demands with her responsibilities to his wellbeing.

  • kendra wyndham
  • astronaut
  • maternal figure
  • mars caretaker
Q10

What motivates Nathaniel Shepard in the movie?

Nathaniel Shepard is driven by a desire to protect Gardner while also maintaining his position as CEO of Genesis. His internal conflict between his corporate responsibilities and his paternal instincts shapes much of the story's emotional tension.

  • nathaniel shepard
  • billionaire
  • ceo
  • protection
  • conflict

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Space Between Us, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Space Between Us tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Bittersweet Sci-Fi Romances like The Space Between Us

Starry-eyed love stories set against the vast, unforgiving backdrop of space. If you enjoyed the blend of romance and sci-fi in The Space Between Us, explore other movies like it. This collection features heartfelt stories where love and adventure intersect across galaxies, often with a touch of melancholy and hopeful endings.

  • romantic
  • yearning
  • melancholic
  • hopeful
  • adventurous
  • wistful
  • Tone: hopeful, romantic, melancholic
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories intertwine a central romance with a science-fiction premise, creating a unique set of obstacles for the characters. The journey is as much about emotional discovery as it is about exploring new worlds, typically leading to an emotionally resonant, bittersweet conclusion.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared core of a sci-fi setting powering a romantic plot. They evoke a similar mix of hopeful yearning and melancholic wonder, appealing to viewers who enjoy character-driven stories within imaginative worlds.

Endless Love movie poster

Endless Love

2014
Romancing in Thin Air movie poster

Romancing in Thin Air

2012
The Space Between Us movie poster

The Space Between Us

2017
Moonshot movie poster

Moonshot

2022
Creator movie poster

Creator

1985
Desert Hearts movie poster

Desert Hearts

1986
Astronaut: The Last Push movie poster

Astronaut: The Last Push

2012
The Falls movie poster

The Falls

2012

Movies about a Quest for Identity like The Space Between Us

Characters on a journey to discover who they are and where they belong. Find more movies similar to The Space Between Us about characters searching for their identity. These films follow protagonists on emotional quests to uncover their past, find their family, and discover where they truly belong in the world.

  • yearning
  • lonely
  • hopeful
  • introspective
  • melancholic
  • heartfelt
  • Tone: hopeful, yearning, bittersweet
  • Pacing: steady, introspective
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The core narrative follows a protagonist, often an outsider, who embarks on a physical and emotional journey to answer fundamental questions about their identity. The plot is fueled by discovery, confronting secrets, and forming new, meaningful bonds that help define their sense of self.

Why they belong together: These films share a central thematic focus on identity and belonging. They attract viewers who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth, a steady pace, and a payoff that is more about personal resolution than pure plot conclusion.

Wild Seed movie poster

Wild Seed

1965
The Journey of Jared Price movie poster

The Journey of Jared Price

2000
The Toilers and the Wayfarers movie poster

The Toilers and the Wayfarers

1997
Our Times movie poster

Our Times

2025
Are You There? movie poster

Are You There?

2025
Vision Quest movie poster

Vision Quest

1985
Wildhood movie poster

Wildhood

2022
Adventureland movie poster

Adventureland

2009

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Mission to Mars

2000
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Every angle

The Space Between Us (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Space Between Us in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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