I ran across a beautiful trailer for an upcoming movie that looks incredible. It’s called CLARA and is set in the present or very near future. The story follows an astronomer and his research assistant, who are looking for Earth-like planets. But more than that, they’re looking for planets with civilizations. Here’s the video:

What I love about this story is that it’s very much anchored in current technology AND focused on human drama. I’m realizing more and more that this is probably my favorite sub-genre of sci-fi: stories that center on the ways that discovery and technology affect our humanity. Some other similar films come to mind: ANOTHER EARTH and THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE. These are admittedly more in the vein of “art-house” films, rather than summer blockbusters. But haven’t we gotten more than enough of the latter, and very few of the former?

Here’s another great video that analyzes the film’s concept, and it’s by a real-life astronomer:

It was great to hear all the many ways that David Kipping (real astronomer) enjoyed the story of the movie astronomer. Of course, he had some quibbles, but overall Kipping said he’s definitely going to be seeing this film. I suppose that’s one of the aims of the book I’m writing: to be an exciting concept that (mostly) passes scrutiny by relevant scientists.

I can’t wait to see CLARA.