This Memorial Day weekend, Netflix premieres a high-flying, deeply human documentary that takes audiences into the heart of one of the most iconic military aviation teams in the world.
Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds goes beyond the roar of afterburners to explore the people, discipline, and purpose behind the legendary U.S. Air Force demonstration squadron.
Directed by Matt Wilcox and executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, the film is a gripping, cinematic tribute to precision, sacrifice, and service.
The Thunderbirds: More Than a Performance
Known for their jaw-dropping airshow demonstrations and diamond-tight formations, the Thunderbirds represent the pinnacle of U.S. Air Force aviation. Since their formation, over 330 officers have worn the prestigious emblem of “America’s Ambassadors in Blue.” Comprised of elite pilots and supported by more than 130 enlisted team members, the Thunderbirds execute upwards of 75 airshows annually, each requiring precision, trust, and peak physical conditioning.
But this film isn’t just about aviation spectacle. It’s about who these pilots are when the helmets come off, what they endure during training, and why they choose a life filled with risk and responsibility.
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The Human Element: Stories from Inside the Squadron
At the center of Air Force Elite is Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, the team’s lead pilot and Thunderbird 1. A former astronaut candidate, Elliott turned down a lifelong dream to instead lead one of the most elite aviation teams in history. With just 60 days to train and certify, the pressure is enormous. The film follows Elliott as he pushes himself and his team to new heights, balancing his demanding role with life as a husband and father.
Also featured is Thunderbird 2, “Zeke,” whose journey from a trailer park in Florida to the skies of the U.S. Air Force offers one of the film’s most emotional throughlines. His story of perseverance and relatability serves as a powerful reminder that talent and drive can come from anywhere.
The documentary also honors the legacy of Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who died in a training accident in 2018. Through the voices of his parents, the film thoughtfully reflects on the price of service, asking: what does it mean to give everything for something greater than yourself?
Filming the Impossible: Real Planes, Real Time, Real Stakes
Capturing the Thunderbirds in action wasn’t easy. There were no reenactments or second takes. The production team, led by aerial coordinator Kevin LaRosa II (Top Gun: Maverick), had to integrate into real flight plans and operations. Every shot in the sky was filmed under live conditions, amplifying the documentary’s authenticity.
In-cockpit GoPro 360s and dynamic helicopter footage provide a visceral experience that puts viewers just inches from supersonic speeds and gravity-defying maneuvers. But the production also focuses on quieter moments: flight briefings, post-flight reflections, and off-duty conversations that round out each pilot’s personality and purpose.
The Obama Effect: Higher Ground’s Influence
Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, is known for its commitment to stories that inspire and challenge. Producer Ethan Lewis describes the project as “a thrilling and unprecedented look behind the scenes of this elite squadron.” Higher Ground’s involvement ensured a focus not only on spectacle but also on the shared values of discipline, teamwork, and character.
This partnership allowed director Matt Wilcox and producer Taylor Kavanaugh to explore personal narratives in depth. Wilcox’s childhood love of air shows and Kavanaugh’s background in sports storytelling lent the film a uniquely grounded approach to a high-altitude subject.
More Than Fast Jets: Why This Documentary Resonates
Though aviation enthusiasts will be drawn to the flight sequences, Air Force Elite offers much broader appeal. It captures moments of quiet vulnerability, familial love, and the pursuit of something greater than self-interest. It shows that these pilots are not just performers or soldiers—they are human beings with dreams, doubts, and deep convictions.
Releasing on Memorial Day weekend, the film becomes even more poignant. It serves not just as a celebration of skill, but as a reflection on service, legacy, and the cost of excellence.
Closing Thoughts: A Tribute in Motion
Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds is not just a documentary. It’s a character study, a tribute, and a behind-the-scenes odyssey that captures the complexity of modern military service. It showcases some of the most talented pilots in the world, while never losing sight of the people behind the visor.
As Lt. Col. Elliott and his team take to the skies, what unfolds is far more than a spectacle. It is a story of leadership, loss, hope, and purpose. Strap in—you’ve never seen anything like it.
Documentary Details
Release Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Format: Feature Documentary
Director: Matt Wilcox
Executive Producers: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama
Production Companies: Blue Ox, Supper Club, Higher Ground
The Poster
