that does effectively communicate her sense of panic, it only makes sense if she is inexperienced.

This begs the question: why does this character need to be inexperienced? What is the rationale behind the choice of having the female lead be inexperienced, and the supporting man be the voice of wisdom? The film would be just as compelling and dramatic if we watched an experienced female astronaut deal with these situations and themes, so the only thing this choice actually achieves is the setting of a very specific power dynamic – in which the male character has the power, and she does not. At least, not at first – which means the power she ends up with is derived from men.

Then, there is The Sacrifice. Conventions of cinematic sexism have taught us that the male gaze often requires the sacrif...

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