Space Dive Review

Space Dive (2012) has all the makings of documentary classic. Felix Baumgartner, the ageing Austrian daredevil, desperately tries to break the record for the highest skydive in history. A jump that included falling from a balloon on the edge of space, breaking the sound barrier and enduring extreme altitudes. All the while being mentored by the previous record holder Joe Kittinger.

Yet this BBC documentary doesn’t quite excel like it should. Space Dive makes a decision to revel in the technical side of the jump rather than the more personal side. At times we find ourselves wondering just what kind of person Felix is. Beyond him describing himself as something of a show-off, we don’t learn much about the man in the pressure suit.  We don’t get an understanding of his background and we don’t  learn what’s driving him to do these things. The relationship between Felix and Joe is fascinating but is sadly not the focus.

It’s not that the technical side of a space jump shouldn’t be represented. It just feels like there should be more balance. The audience needs to be connected to Felix, so that when he does the historic jump, we are with him in the moment. When the documentary does shift into the ‘human’ drama, it is at its strongest. The tale of Joe’s former protégé, who died following an attempt at the space jump, was absorbing and affecting viewing. Likewise as Felix struggles to adjust to his pressure suit or voices his displeasure at it is when the documentary starts to sing.

The space jump itself is nothing that hasn’t already been seen. It’s thrilling watching but again, not new. However the mission control element offers a fresh take. Watching Joe knowingly react to everything that is happening to Felix, is compulsive viewing. The insight he offers adds an extra layer to the entire mission.

Whilst Space Dive doesn’t offer as much as it should, for those who are already interested in Felix’s jump this should not be missed. If nothing else this documentary lays bare everything technical about a space jump but leaves its more compelling elements elsewhere.

The BBC’s Space Dive is available for streaming on STAN.