The Farthest

Famously known already as the two probes that opened up our solar system to us for the first time, and giving us the very meaningful 'pale blue dot' speech by Carl Sagan, The Farthest looks into those responsible for creating the two probes and how their actions helped us understand our place in the universe just that bit more.

Launched at two different times at two different trajectories, the two Voyager probes were set on a one-way trip across the solar system, studying and picturing the planets and their moons that are closest to what we call home.

Featuring commentary by the very workers of the probes themselves back in 1977, we're given a personal look into the struggles and sheer scale of the projects; a truly ambitious feat with technology weaker than the phones we hold in our pockets today.

The documentary itself starts with showing us the plans for the project; the math and science that went behind what was essentially a very expensive set of guesses. How fragile the whole thing was, with so many possibilities for errors to occur. As the two probes reach each planet, we see exactly what the scientists over and NASA saw: the first few dots of planets; tiny glimpses of distant worlds and moons, each growing in detail as the weeks progressed and the distance between the probes and the planets grew shorter.

It's a beautiful view that puts the technology into perspective, just small dots that grow in detail and begin to show scenes previously unseen by humans before. You can really visualise the excitement and dedication behind those who would be glued to their screens as the data came pouring in. Despite being so dated in comparison to the data we have and get today, the images are incredible.

With very little narration, the story allows itself to be told by those most enthusiastic about the projects; and it continues to feel ever-so-personal as it progresses. The heartbreaks of failures, the thrills and euphoria that comes with discoveries, and the realisation of it all coming to end.