Sean Penn stars as an embattled leader dealing with a personal tragedy all while managing a crew of astronauts attempting to become the first humans on Mars. Under the direction of visionary aerospace magnate Laz Ingram (McElhone), the crew contends with peril and personal sacrifice as they undertake the greatest pioneering feat in human history. Exploring the tumultuous lives of the crew set for the historic voyage, The First investigates what it means to be a human being striving for what many consider the impossible.