Why a 2019 film about Victorian ballooning sparked a debate on historical accuracy

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Aeronauts dramatizes a record-breaking 1862 balloon flight, but replaces the real-life male aeronaut with a fictional female pilot. While some critics praised the film for its aspirational character and visual spectacle, others argued it erased a historical figure who played a vital role in saving a scientist's life.

The 2019 film The Aeronauts, directed by Tom Harper, depicts a perilous 1862 ascent into the atmosphere. The narrative centers on scientist James Glaisher and a fictional pilot named Amelia Wren. While the film draws inspiration from Richard Holmes's 2013 book Falling Upwards, it significantly alters the historical record. The actual flight, which took place on 5 September 1862, featured Glaisher alongside Henry Coxwell, a real-life aeronaut who was omitted from the screenplay.

This creative choice drew criticism from experts like Keith Moore of the Royal Society, who noted that Coxwell was instrumental in the mission's survival. Moore argued that the film missed an opportunity to highlight actual female scientists of the era. Conversely, supporters of the film, such as Sasha Stone, viewed the character of Amelia as an important, aspirational figure. Director Tom Harper defended the decision, stating that the film was not intended as a documentary and that he aimed to create a story reflective of a contemporary audience.

Amelia’s character is an amalgam of several historical figures, including Sophie Blanchard, the first professional female balloonist, and Margaret Graham. The film’s dramatic climax—involving a frozen gas valve and a desperate climb to the top of the balloon—echoes the high-stakes nature of early aviation. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film was noted for its technical craft, particularly its IMAX-designed sequences. By January 2020, Amazon Studios reported that the film had become the most-viewed movie on Amazon Prime, even as it faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its historical revisionism.

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