Unpacking ‘SALLY’: An In-Depth Review and Summary of the 2025 Film – Insights from Roger Ebert

There’s a powerful moment in Cristina Costantini’s documentary where Sally Ride’s voice reflects on the beauty of Earth from space. She describes the thin blue line of the atmosphere, noting how fragile it is. This visual is a reminder that the barriers we place on ourselves can feel meaningless when we see the bigger picture.

When Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space in 1983, she broke through many barriers. But her journey wasn’t easy. The challenges she faced were rooted in the sexism of that time. Male astronauts were seen as heroes, while women stirred curiosity. Gordon Cooper’s offhand comment about women potentially replacing chimpanzees on early missions highlights this attitude. Similarly, questions about her emotional state and reproductive health showed a lack of respect. Funny enough, NASA even included a makeup kit and a hundred tampons in her supplies, unsure of what a woman might need for her flight.

Interestingly, Ride and fellow astronaut Judith Resnik were often compared by the media. Resnik was charismatic; Ride was more introverted. The press tried to frame their dynamic as a rivalry, as if there could only be one woman in the astronaut program. But amid this, Ride kept her emotional life private.

The film also dives into Ride’s personal story. Through interviews with Tam O’Shaughnessy, her partner for 27 years, we get a glimpse of the love that shaped her life. They met as teenagers in California, and their relationship flourished quietly in an era that shunned open expressions of love.

What makes "SALLY" stand out is its depth. Ride was not just an astronaut or a scientist. She was a complex individual influenced by experiences both public and private. Like tennis great Billie Jean King, Ride faced challenges and inspired change. Costantini’s documentary captures this duality beautifully, showing how Ride balanced ambition with personal feelings.

The film subtly raises an important question: Why do women often have to prove they can "have it all," while men simply go for it? Ride didn’t ask for permission. She became the first American woman in space, fulfilling her dreams despite sacrifices in her personal life. After her passing, we learned about the private aspects of her life, revealing how much she truly had.

In the end, Sally Ride’s journey reminds us of the delicate nature of progress. She saw the universe up close, nurtured her love for tennis and science, and shared her life with Tam O’Shaughnessy. Her legacy is a testament to breaking barriers and exploring new frontiers.

For further insights into Sally Ride’s impact and the evolution of women in space, you can check out this article from NASA.

Premieres on the National Geographic Channel tonight; available on Disney+ and Hulu tomorrow.

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