i'm not seeing enough appreciation for the absolute master class that is the moment grace chooses to removes his helmet for the first time in the xenonite tunnel.
he's terrified, yet his instinct to trust is stronger than his instinct to survive. he's afraid, and he knows he could possibly suffocate to death in that moment, but something in that early meeting calls him on a deeper level to connect with rocky. to trust him with his literal life.
as grace contemplates removing the helmet, the camera cuts back to rocky - who intentionally leans forwardly slowly and clicking cautiously, anxious to see if this kind human is going to trust him the way he does.
cut back to grace and he removes the helmet on blind faith. he exhales overwhelming sighs of relief; the music swells and resolves; rocky chirps and jumps for joy; grace softly smiles, and so does damn near anyone in the audience. the moment is potent and raw. it assures the characters and the audience alike: you can count on me. you are not alone. we can figure this out if we stay curious about each other.
the scene then ends on a wide shot of their two ships bound together, spinning in synchronized centrifugal gravity, over beautiful resolving chords of melody and harmony. it shows us a powerful visual of the birth of their unbreakable physical and emotional bond. dependability and loyalty is built and earned, but these two could actually trust each other with their lives from the very start.
their fates are now literally entwined.
