A Million Miles Away

A Million Miles Away 2023

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of A Million Miles Away (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In the late 1960s and 70s, a young boy named José (Michael Peña) hails from Michoacán, working alongside his family—his father Salvador (Julio Cesar Cedillo), mother Julia (Verónica Falcón), brother Beto (Bobby Soto), and sister Lety—as migrant laborers in California’s grapefields. With dreams of owning a home back in Mexico, they toil tirelessly each day, while José juggles school and work. His teacher, Ms. Young (Michelle Krusiec), recognizes his potential and expresses her worries to his parents about his inconsistent schooling. Inspired by the moon landings of 1969, José confides his aspiration to become an astronaut.

However, when his father receives only partial wages, he realizes that Ms. Young’s concerns were valid and the family commits to staying in California permanently. Fast forward to 1985, José proudly graduates from the University of the Pacific and secures a job as an engineer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where groundbreaking research on sophisticated laser technology is underway to protect the USA from nuclear threats.

Despite his achievements, José faces racial stereotyping, often mistaken for the new janitor, and his brother Beto continues to work in the fields. His menial tasks include photocopying extensive documents, working alongside colleagues like Weissberg (Jordan Dean). Having been rejected by NASA multiple times, he yearns for a sense of belonging and decides to trade his 1963 Chevrolet Impala for a more subdued used Mazda RX-7. During the paperwork for his new car, he crosses paths with Adela (Rosa Salazar), and after navigating the complexities of her large family, they fall in love and marry, eventually welcoming five children.

While Adela mockingly doubts José’s astronaut dreams, he uncovers a major flaw in the lab’s laser design which he presents to his supervisor. This breakthrough propels José into a mentorship role where he guides the researchers, including Weissberg, who previously overlooked him. Despite facing persistent NASA rejections—six in total—Adela encourages him, understanding the depth of his ambitions. José learns that the previous astronaut applicants numbered over 12,000, filled with pilots and athletes.

He actively trains to enhance his qualifications—becoming a pilot, diving extensively, and immersing himself in the Russian language to improve his odds. In 1999, when his boss Clint Logan (Eric Johnson) presents him with a chance to visit Russia to evaluate uranium intended for NASA, José seizes the opportunity, knowing it could significantly bolster his application.

Eventually, after facing many obstacles, José personally delivers his twelfth application to Frederick Sturckow (Garret Dillahunt), a veteran astronaut trainer. He impresses Sturckow and is accepted into the program, but struggles to keep up with the demands of the rigorous training. Tragedy strikes when he learns of Beto’s death in a gang-related shooting, leading to a lapse in focus, followed by a motivational talk from Kalpana Chawla (Sarayu Blue), who shares the profound purpose behind their arduous work in pursuit of space exploration.

As José continues to persevere, he excels with his peers and secures a space for Adela’s restaurant. In 2008, he is called into a meeting by Sturckow, informing him he’s selected for STS-128 as a Mission Specialist. Filled with pride, he shares the news with Adela, reiterating his late brother Beto’s inspirational words about a migrant farmworker’s journey into the great unknown.

Finally, on launch day, José boards the shuttle, immersing himself in a moment of reflection as he recalls the Monarch Butterfly that once landed on his father’s arm—a sign of their decision to settle in California. The closing titles reveal that STS-128 docked at the International Space Station for 13 days, where José enjoyed tacos and listened to José Alfredo Jiménez’s “El Hijo Del Pueblo”. Notably, he becomes the first migrant farmworker in space, and he remains rooted in his origins, picking grapes alongside his father—now in his own vineyard, Tierra Luna Cellars, based in Lodi, California.

Timeline

Track the key events of A Million Miles Away (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


José's Family Arrives in California

In the late 1960s, a young boy named José lives with his family in Michoacán. They migrate to California to work in the grape fields, dreaming of a better life and homeownership back in Mexico.

Late 1960s California

José's Aspirations Ignited

Inspired by the moon landings in 1969, José shares his dream of becoming an astronaut with his teacher, Ms. Young. His ambitions begin to shape his future, despite the challenges from his family's lifestyle.

1969

Family Commits to Staying in California

After receiving partial wages, José's father realizes the financial difficulties they face. This leads the family to decide to stay in California permanently, marking a significant turn in their journey.

California

José Graduates University

In 1985, José proudly graduates from the University of the Pacific, having dedicated himself to his studies. He begins his career as an engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, focusing on advanced laser technology.

1985 University of the Pacific, California

Facing Racial Stereotyping

As he navigates his new job, José faces racial stereotyping at the lab. Despite being highly educated, he is often mistaken for the janitor, emphasizing the challenges he must overcome.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Meeting Adela and Falling in Love

During the process of acquiring a new car, José meets Adela, a pivotal moment in his life. As they navigate her large family dynamics, they develop a deep love and eventually marry, welcoming five children together.

Car dealership

Breakthrough at the Laboratory

José uncovers a critical flaw in the lab’s laser design, showcasing his expertise. This significant accomplishment earns him respect and a mentorship role among his peers at the laboratory.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Rejections from NASA

José faces numerous rejections from NASA, amounting to six applications denied. Despite this, his wife Adela supports his aspirations, instilling in him the belief to continue pursuing his dream of space travel.

Training Intensifies

Determined to improve his odds, José begins rigorous training. He learns to fly, dives extensively, and studies Russian, preparing himself for the competitive astronaut selection process.

A Life-changing Opportunity

In 1999, José is presented with a chance to evaluate uranium in Russia for NASA, which could bolster his astronaut application. Recognizing the significance, he seizes the moment to advance his dreams.

1999 Russia

Impressing the Astronaut Trainer

After many obstacles, José delivers his twelfth application to veteran trainer Frederick Sturckow. His impressive qualifications lead to his acceptance into the astronaut program, marking a major milestone.

Tragedy and Motivation

José faces a devastating loss when his brother Beto is killed in a gang-related shooting. Following this tragedy, a motivational talk from fellow astronaut Kalpana Chawla reignites his determination.

Call to Space

In 2008, José is informed by Sturckow that he has been selected for the STS-128 mission as a Mission Specialist. He is filled with pride and shares the exhilarating news with Adela, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

2008

Launch Day Reflection

As launch day arrives, José reflects on his family's journey and the sacrifices made. He recalls the memory of a Monarch Butterfly, symbolizing their decision to settle in California.

Launch site

A Historic Achievement

Jose successfully participates in STS-128, becoming the first migrant farmworker in space. During the mission, he feels deep gratitude as he enjoys the fruits of his hard work and the support of his family.

International Space Station

Characters

Meet the characters that bring A Million Miles Away (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


José

José is a determined young boy who evolves into a skilled engineer and aspiring astronaut. His journey is marked by resilience in the face of setbacks and a deep aspiration to honor his family's sacrifices. Throughout his struggles with identity and belonging, he maintains a strong drive fueled by dreams and hope.

🚀 Aspiration 💪 Resilience 👨‍👧‍👦 Family

Julia

Julia is José's supportive mother, representing the struggles and sacrifices of immigrant families. She often worries about their future and José's education, yet she embodies strength and love, supporting her son's dreams. Her character adds emotional depth to the family's journey.

❤️ Support 🏡 Home 👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood

Adela

Adela is José's wife who balances skepticism with unwavering support for his dreams. While she questions the feasibility of his aspirations, she ultimately becomes a crucial part of his journey. Her character highlights the dynamics of love, ambition, and familial obligations.

❤️ Love 🙏 Support 💼 Ambition

Beto

Beto is José's hardworking brother who represents the everyday struggles of migrant laborers. Despite his own challenges, he supports José's ambitions. His tragic fate impacts José significantly, serving as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by their community.

🌾 Hard Work ⚰️ Tragedy 👨‍👦 Brotherhood

Clint Logan

Clint is José's boss and a pivotal figure in his professional life, presenting him with opportunities that could change his trajectory. His belief in José's potential serves as a catalyst for José’s growth and development in the engineering field.

👨‍💼 Leadership 📈 Opportunity

Setting

Uncover the settings of A Million Miles Away (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1960s - 2008

The movie spans from the 1960s to 2008, a time marked by immigration challenges, technological advancements, and social changes in America. It reflects the era's struggle for racial equality and the pursuit of dreams against financial and societal obstacles, highlighted by José's journey as a migrant laborer to an astronaut.

Location

Michoacán, California, Lodi

Michoacán is a culturally rich state in Mexico known for its agricultural heritage and stunning landscapes. California's grapefields symbolize the migrant labor experience, where many families work tirelessly to achieve the American dream. Lodi represents José's personal accomplishments and roots, where he realizes his aspirations through his vineyard, Tierra Luna Cellars.

🌾 Agriculture 🚀 Space

Themes

Explore the core themes of A Million Miles Away (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌌

Dreams

The pursuit of dreams is a central theme in José's journey from a migrant worker to an astronaut. His aspirations are shaped by personal hardships and societal barriers, illustrating the transformative power of hope, ambition, and determination. The film conveys the importance of supporting one's aspirations despite the odds.

🌱

Family

Family is portrayed as the foundation of José's life, influencing his choices and aspirations. His relationships, especially with his parents, brother, and wife Adela, are central to his character development. The support and sacrifices of his family underscore the importance of familial bonds in achieving one's dreams.

🌍

Identity

Identity is explored through José's experiences as a migrant farmworker and later as an engineer and astronaut. The film examines how his cultural background shapes his aspirations and interactions. José's journey highlights the search for belonging and recognition in a society that often marginalizes individuals based on their origins.

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