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Moon

Moon is a 2009 science fiction film directed by Duncan Jones in his feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Moon is a 2009 science fiction film directed by Duncan Jones in his feature directorial debut. Written by Nathan Parker from a story by Jones, it stars Sam Rockwell as a solitary lunar miner who experiences a crisis near the end of a three-year contract on the Moon.

Plot

The film follows Sam Bell as he nears the end of a three-year assignment mining helium-3 on the Moon. After an accident and a series of unsettling events, he confronts questions about identity, isolation, and the nature of his work.

Production

Moon was directed by Duncan Jones, who also provided the story, and was written by Nathan Parker. It is widely described as Jones's debut feature film.

Cast

Sam Rockwell stars as Sam Bell, with Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry, Malcolm Stewart, and Kevin Spacey in supporting roles. The cast is small, reflecting the film's isolated setting.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2009 and is commonly categorized as science fiction, with thriller and drama elements. Available sources describe it as a critically regarded independent-style sci-fi film.

Key facts

  • Moon is Duncan Jones's feature directorial debut.
  • Sam Rockwell plays Sam Bell, a worker stationed alone on a lunar mining base.
  • The story centres on helium-3 mining on the far side of the Moon.
  • The film includes supporting performances by Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry, Malcolm Stewart, and Kevin Spacey.
  • It was presented as a science fiction thriller with dramatic and mystery elements.

Frequently asked questions

What is Moon about?
It follows a lone lunar miner, Sam Bell, who nears the end of a three-year contract and faces a disturbing crisis after an accident on the Moon.
Who directed Moon?
Moon was directed by Duncan Jones.
Who stars in Moon?
The film stars Sam Rockwell, with Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry, Malcolm Stewart, and Kevin Spacey in supporting roles.
When was Moon released?
Moon was released in 2009.
What genre is Moon?
Moon is a science fiction film, and sources also describe it as a thriller and drama.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_(2009_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, story by, cast, release year, and basic premise
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/moon
    Supports: Plot synopsis, director, screenwriter, producer, distributor, genre, and release year
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1182345/
    Supports: Premise, setting, and cast
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70112500
    Supports: Year, genre, premise, and cast