Capricorn One

A highly anticipated manned mission to Mars is about to launch when NASA officials discover a life-support system malfunction, rendering the mission lethal. Unwilling to lose the immense funding and public faith tied to the project, they decide to proceed with an elaborate ruse. Just before liftoff, the astronauts are secretly whisked away to a remote desert base. There, they're coerced into acting out a successful landing on a meticulously constructed Mars set. NASA broadcasts their convincing performance to the world, showcasing a triumphant mission. The astronauts are uneasy, yet understand they must comply with the deception under threat.

Back on Earth, a tenacious reporter grows suspicious of anomalies in the broadcast and the mission timeline. He embarks on a dangerous investigation into the inconsistencies surrounding the mission, facing increasing resistance and threats. Tensions rise as the astronauts grapple with their moral dilemma, foreseeing dire consequences if they’re discovered. As doubt and desperation grow among those involved, including some within NASA, the fragile illusion is at risk of unraveling. The stakes reach critical levels, both morally and existentially, as various parties edge closer to potential exposure. With pressure mounting on all sides, a race ensues that blurs the lines between patriotism, truth, and survival.