---
title: "Moon"
year: 2009
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/moon"
fi1m_id: "moon"
imdb_id: "tt1182345"
tmdb_id: 17431
wikidata_id: "Q26751"
fi1m_score: 83
critics_score: 82
critics_reviews: 10
published: "2026-09-15"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:13.057156+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Moon (2009)

Directed by Duncan Jones · 1h 37m · MPA R · Science Fiction, Drama

## Identity

Moon

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/moon
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** moon
- **IMDb ID:** tt1182345
- **TMDB ID:** 17431
- **Wikidata ID:** Q26751
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1182345/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/17431, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26751

**Fi1m score: 83** · Critics 82 from 10 reviews

*In a sentence:* Even with a talking computer, Sam Rockwell looks like a man badly in need of a conversation

> Duncan Jones’s *Moon* is thoughtful, affecting science fiction, held together by Sam Rockwell’s sharply judged performance. The suspense slackens once the puzzle becomes clearer, but the loneliness remains painfully convincing.

## Synopsis

Sam Rockwell plays Sam Bell, a man facing isolation in space and questions about his own identity. Kevin Spacey voices GERTY, the computer whose presence offers Sam a form of company. As the mystery of Sam’s circumstances develops, memory and the need for human contact become central to his efforts to understand himself. Directed by Duncan Jones from a screenplay by Nathan Parker, *Moon* keeps its science-fiction story close to one man’s experience of loneliness, uncertainty and psychological strain.

## Review

*Moon* is affecting, carefully made science fiction, with Sam Rockwell giving its questions about identity a recognisable human urgency. Duncan Jones keeps the drama close to Sam Bell, isolated in space and increasingly uncertain about himself. We recommend it, with a reservation about how steadily it moves once its puzzle begins to yield answers. Its 97 minutes leave room for a patient performance and a few welcome jokes.

Rockwell is convincing because he does not make loneliness look noble. There is low-key humour in his performance, along with a need for company that can be awkward to watch. We were moved by his exchanges with GERTY, the computer voiced by Kevin Spacey. Rockwell makes the effort of talking to a machine feel painfully necessary, while Spacey’s eerie delivery leaves us unsure how much comfort such company can provide.

Gary Shaw’s cinematography gives the confined setting an oppressive feel, even when there is little physical action. Tony Noble’s production design uses a familiar screen version of the future, which is useful here: we can accept the surroundings without pausing to admire each invention. The place feels capable of wearing someone down. Anyone hoping for a new idea of what space might look like will find plenty they recognise, but the setting serves this particular man’s loneliness well.

Nathan Parker’s screenplay benefits from its dry humour, which gives Rockwell something to play besides distress. The dialogue is sharp enough to keep the contained drama from turning into a succession of questions about existence. Nicolas Gaster’s editing allows the performance room, although the pace becomes less assured as the mystery clears. Clint Mansell’s score helps make that slower stretch affecting, keeping our attention on Sam’s distress when the plot offers less suspense.

The slackening is the main fault, and it matters because the film initially encourages us to expect a tightly sustained mystery. Once Sam’s situation becomes clearer, Jones and Parker do not always find an equally compelling reason to move into the next scene. The dialogue remains engaging, but several stretches feel as though they are waiting for the plot to catch up. We would have welcomed more suspense in these passages, without wanting the film to abandon its quiet approach.

*Moon* belongs to the thoughtful, enclosed sort of science fiction associated with [*Solaris*](https://film.one/film/solaris) and [*2001: A Space Odyssey*](https://film.one/film/2001-a-space-odyssey). The computer’s voice alone is enough to invite comparisons with the latter. Those resemblances can become distracting when the pace drops and we have more time to notice them. Jones has chosen influences that suit his story, though, and Rockwell’s vulnerability stops the discussion of identity becoming remote.

A quiet evening suits *Moon*. It asks for enough attention that a running conversation over the top of it would be a waste of Rockwell’s work. The modest scale is part of the pleasure, although anyone wanting sustained thrills should adjust their expectations. Put the phones aside for this one.

*Fi1m score 83, published 15 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics respond warmly to Moon’s small-scale, thoughtful science fiction, with praise clustering around Sam Rockwell’s performance and the film’s treatment of loneliness and identity. The reviews repeatedly credit Rockwell with giving the philosophical questions an emotional weight, while the restrained direction and enclosed setting make isolation felt without relying on spectacle. Its debts to earlier science fiction are widely recognised, but most find enough feeling and intelligence to keep the familiar surroundings interesting.

Reservations centre on plotting and momentum, with responses ranging from enthusiastic praise to qualified approval. The Guardian finds that the story discloses too much too soon, while The AV Club wants more sustained suspense as it develops. Time Out questions the internal logic, and several reviews find the later stretches less absorbing than the opening, though these objections generally temper rather than overturn the praise for the acting and atmosphere.

## Straight answers

**Is Moon worth watching?**

*Moon* is worth watching for anyone who likes quiet, thoughtful science fiction built around one performance, and we scored it 83. Sam Rockwell makes Sam Bell's loneliness painfully convincing, with help from Kevin Spacey's eerie voice as GERTY. The suspense slackens once the puzzle starts to yield answers, so viewers wanting sustained thrills should adjust their expectations.

**How long is Moon, and what is it rated?**

*Moon* runs 1h 37m and is rated R by the MPA in the US. It is a science fiction and drama film.

**Where can I watch Moon in the US?**

*Moon* is streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. It leaves Tubi on 1 October. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Moon, and is it suitable for children?**

*Moon* carries a UK 15 certificate, so it is not suitable for younger children. It is a slow, enclosed drama about isolation and identity rather than an action film, and the strain is psychological: a man wearing down in a confined place with only a computer for company. Older teenagers with patience for a quiet mystery should manage it without trouble.

**How does Moon compare to The Double Life of Véronique?**

*Moon* and [*The Double Life of Véronique*](https://film.one/film/the-double-life-of-veronique) share a curiosity about identity, but pursue it differently. Jones works through a contained science-fiction puzzle and Sam Rockwell's dry, awkward loneliness; Kieślowski works through music, coincidence and feeling, with Irène Jacob playing two connected lives. We find *Moon* the more approachable evening, while *Véronique* is the more absorbing film if you can take its occasionally overworked symbolism.

**What should I watch after Moon?**

After *Moon*, try [*Solaris*](https://film.one/film/solaris-1972) (1972, Fi1m 87): For more isolation in space, and memories that make human company complicated. Then [*Seconds*](https://film.one/film/seconds) (1966, Fi1m 84): Another unsettling look at identity, with less comfort in its science fiction; and [*The Quiet Earth*](https://film.one/film/the-quiet-earth) (1985, Fi1m 78): Loneliness becomes a practical problem in science fiction that keeps its scale human.

### Reviews we read (18)

- **Slant Magazine**, Nick Schager (4/4): The critic praises the assured, mesmerizing tale of loneliness and self-inquiry that warmly embraces influences like 2001 while creating a haunting puzzle about identity. Singles out Sam Rockwell’s dual performance and the film’s lyrical understatement and empathetic grace as highlights. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/moon/)
- **The AV Club**, Noel Murray (B+): The critic finds it a smart, enjoyable genre riff that mixes low-key humor and philosophical soul-searching effectively in its early sections. Notes the strong lead performance and familiar but never hackneyed futuristic backdrop, though it could have used more suspense after the twist. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/moon-1798206399)
- **IndieWire**, Eric Kohn (80/100, inferred): The critic highlights how the film nails the appeal of low-key, thoughtful sci-fi with strong performances and existential themes. Notes its intimate focus on identity and isolation as a standout strength. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/low-key-sci-fi-moon-nails-genres-appeal-70372/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (75/100, inferred): The critic finds Moon a heartfelt if derivative drama of loneliness and isolation in space, evoking classic 1960s-70s sci-fi. Rockwell's performance stands out, though the film reveals its central twist too early, limiting dramatic impact. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/jul/17/film-review-moon-sam-rockwell)
- **Little White Lies**, Matt Bochenski (3/3/3): The review finds Moon a thoughtful but imperfect sci-fi alternative to summer blockbusters, noting it stretches a low budget effectively in the first half before losing momentum. Jones is praised for achieving ambition with limited resources and delivering a low-key British sci-fi thriller. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/moon)
- **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (3/5): The critic gives a qualified endorsement of Jones's feature debut as a thoughtful, good-looking and well-acted 1970s-style sci-fi throwback focused on isolation and identity. The contained drama and beautiful visuals are highlighted, though the film is noted as not entirely logical. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/moon-2)
- **Empire**, Simon Crook: A mesmerising debut and affectionate throwback to thoughtful 70s/80s sci-fi, with strong ideas on memory, alienation and identity, grounded by Sam Rockwell's terrific performance and lo-fi charm. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/moon-review/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey: The review notes the film's clear debts to '2001: A Space Odyssey' and praises Sam Rockwell's intense, caring performance along with Kevin Spacey's eerie voice work as the computer Gerty. It finds the story esoteric and struggles to fully engage as entertainment despite strong central acting. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jun-12-et-moon12-story.html)
- **Screen Daily**: The review describes Moon as a conceptually fascinating exploration of identity and a frequently engrossing science fiction story with moral inquiry into humanity. Sam Rockwell's layered, tour-de-force performance is singled out for particular praise. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/features/moon/4042679.article)
- **Sight and Sound**, Philip Kemp: The critic praises Moon as an old-fashioned, ideas-driven sci-fi film that emphasizes psychological drama over spectacle, harking back to classics like Solaris and 2001. Sam Rockwell's tour-de-force dual performance is singled out as central to the film's success in exploring isolation and identity. [Read](http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/5065)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**: The critic calls it a well-made but generic science fiction film that will likely perform better on DVD than in theaters. Praises the sharp dialogue and moody production design while noting a lack of physical action weakens the story thrust. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/film-review-moon-92805/)
- **The Independent**: An indie sci-fi that mostly succeeds, nodding to classics like Alien and 2001 in design and philosophical unease. The single-actor focus is daring, though the plot's denouement is the least satisfying part. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/moon-15-1749554.html)
- **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott: The critic praises the film's modest, haunting minimalism and its emphasis on claustrophobia and loneliness as an antidote to typical sci-fi spectacles. Sam Rockwell's central performance, especially in a dual role, is highlighted as technically astonishing. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/movies/12moon.html)
- **Total Film**, Kevin Harley: A potent case for small-scale conceptual sci-fi, with big ideas about being human and identity, expertly wrong-footing the audience with intelligent revelations rather than clichés. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/moon-1-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Rupert de (5/5): The critic calls Moon one of the best English-language films in years and a grown-up character study in the vein of Blade Runner and 2001. They single out Sam Rockwell's nuanced, career-defining performance as the film's standout element. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/moon-review/)
- **Eye for Film**, Nick Da Costa (5/5): The critic praises the film's internal philosophical threat and refusal to offer simple answers, highlighting Sam Rockwell's mesmerizing performance as the standout element. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/moon-film-review-by-nick-da-costa)
- **HeyUGuys**, Jon Lyus (95/100, inferred): The critic calls it a triumphant debut that stands with classics, singling out Sam Rockwell's Oscar-worthy performance and the intelligent, atmospheric direction for particular praise. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/blu-ray-review-moon/)
- **The Playlist**, Rodrigo Perez (B+): The critic finds it a well-crafted, atmospheric and serious sci-fi debut that references classics effectively, praising the assured direction and psychological depth over spectacle. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/take-your-protein-pills-and-strap-your-20090612/)

## Details

- **Director:** Duncan Jones
- **Director:** Duncan Jones
- **Screenplay:** Nathan Parker
- **Story:** Duncan Jones
- **Cinematography:** Gary Shaw
- **Editor:** Nicolas Gaster
- **Music:** Clint Mansell, Chesney Hawkes
- **Production design:** Tony Noble
- **Costume design:** Jane Petrie
- **Producer:** Stuart Fenegan, Mark Foligno, Nicky Bentham
- **Cast:** Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell; Kevin Spacey as GERTY (voice); Dominique McElligott as Tess Bell; Rosie Shaw as Little Eve; Adrienne Shaw as Nanny; Kaya Scodelario as Eve; Benedict Wong as Thompson; Matt Berry as Overmeyers
- **Runtime:** 1h 37m
- **Certificate (MPA):** R
- **Release (the US):** 10 July 2009
- **Genres:** Science Fiction, Drama
- **Budget:** $5 million
- **Box office:** $10 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV5udqNpP94

## Where to watch in the US

- Tubi: free, hd, leaving 2026-10-01
- Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $7.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-15.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BR, CA, CL, CO, DE, ES, FR, GB, IE, IN, IT, JP, MX, NZ, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Hugo Awards 2010: Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form (won)
- Sitges Film Festival Best Actor award 2009: Sitges Film Festival Best Actor award (won)
- Sitges Film Festival Best Feature-Length Film award 2009: Sitges Film Festival Best Feature-Length Film award (won)
- Sitges Film Festival Best Screenplay award 2009: Sitges Film Festival Best Screenplay award (won)

## If you liked this

- *Solaris* (1972), Fi1m 87: For more isolation in space, and memories that make human company complicated — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/solaris-1972.md)
- *Seconds* (1966), Fi1m 84: Another unsettling look at identity, with less comfort in its science fiction — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/seconds.md)
- *The Quiet Earth* (1985), Fi1m 78: Loneliness becomes a practical problem in science fiction that keeps its scale human — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-quiet-earth.md)
- *The Double Life of Véronique* (1991), Fi1m 86: For the same curiosity about identity, pursued through music, coincidence and feeling — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-double-life-of-veronique.md)
- *After Yang* (2021): A quieter study of memory and artificial companionship, patient enough to make grief felt

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/moon