Watch 14 Minutes From Earth

14 Minutes from Earth is a 2016 documentary feature that takes viewers on an inspiring, adrenaline-charged journey alongside Google’s Senior Vice President of Knowledge, Alan Eustace, as he embarks on a daring and groundbreaking mission to explore the stratosphere. Directed by Jerry Kolber, Adam "Tex" Davis, Trey Nelson, and Erich Sturm, this captivating film presents a real-life adventure that rivals the aspirations and achievements of fictional space explorers.

At its heart, the film is a detailed chronicle of project "StratEx" - a high-altitude exploration mission that seeks to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and capability. Alan Eustace, an unassuming yet brilliant computer scientist with a passion for skydiving and space exploration, teams up with a small, passionate team of aerospace experts and engineers led by Jared Leidich, striving to devise a way to ascend to the edge of space without the aid of a traditional spacecraft.

Throughout the 14 Minutes from Earth, viewers are taken behind the scenes of this groundbreaking project, which is as much about pioneering scientific exploration as it is about the raw human spirit pushing against the limitations of the body and mind. The documentary unveils the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs that the team encounters along the way, detailing the scientific rigor as well as the intense emotional journeys involved in preparing for a venture that walks the line between audacity and impossibility.

Alan Eustace, with the help of the team, including Taber MacCallum, Chief Technology Officer of Paragon Space Development Corporation, sets out to shatter the world record for the highest altitude jump, held at the time by Felix Baumgartner. Their mission: ascend into the stratosphere using a high-altitude, helium-filled balloon, and then free-fall back to Earth in a custom pressurized suit designed to protect Eustace throughout this hostile environment. Unlike Baumgartner's ascent in a capsule, Eustace's approach involves attaching himself directly to the balloon, eliminating the need for a space capsule and paving the way for simpler and more affordable access to near-space.

The documentary does a phenomenal job highlighting the human elements of space exploration. It depicts Alan Eustace as a visionary with a deep-rooted curiosity for the unknown and an unwavering commitment to expanding the horizons of human potential. Rather than focusing on the celebrity aspect of other high-profile space feats, 14 Minutes from Earth delves into the motivations, fears, and relentless optimism of everyone involved, from the engineers and support team to the family members who watch apprehensively as their loved one risks everything for the pursuit of knowledge and adventure.

The tension mounts as the StratEx team grapples with the daunting technical obstacles inherent in sending a person to such extreme altitudes, from the design of the suit that will protect Eustace from the harsh conditions of the upper atmosphere to the meticulous calculations required to ensure a safe ascent and descent. The documentary interweaves commentary from experts in aerospace and extreme human physiology, discussing the science behind the team's approach and the potential implications of their efforts for the future of space travel and exploration.

Visually, 14 Minutes from Earth is stunning, featuring awe-inspiring footage capturing the beauty and hostility of the upper layers of our atmosphere, the painstaking preparation processes, and the emotional moments leading up to the jump. The film succeeds in making the viewers feel as though they have a front-row seat to this incredible human achievement, with breathtaking cinematography that captures the vastness of space and the vulnerability of a lone explorer suspended at the mercy of nature's vast expanse.

Ultimately, the documentary transcends the niche of a pure scientific adventure narrative and becomes a testament to human aspiration and collaborative endeavor. It showcases how a diverse team of individuals, driven by a common goal, can redefine what is possible, shake the foundations of conventional thought, and move us closer to a future where the vastness of space is within the realm of human experience.

14 Minutes from Earth is more than a straightforward recounting of a technological feat; it is an inspirational tale of courage, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. It is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the intersection of human achievement and technological advancement, offering inspiration for future generations to look upwards and dream of the stars.

14 Minutes From Earth is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.