Mars One revels in the lives of its characters, taking a leisurely and scenic route to understanding their dreams and realities.

Mars One nimbly centers each of its four main characters, elegantly weaving their stories into a poignant familial whole. All relatable, flawed, and charming in their own ways, they antagonize each other without anyone losing their humanity.

By slowly introducing each of the four family members’ individual concerns in a mostly seamless manner, Martins immerses the viewer in his deftly written, multifaceted story of interpersonal growth.

It’s the sincerity of the approach that keeps the film afloat at an early stage, but Mars One becomes more artificial, even melodramatic towards the end.