In Russian media, reception was mixed, leaning towards positive. Film critics praised the visuals and Peresild's acting, but were divided about the melodramatic parts of the plot, supposed ideology, and how the movie deals with representation of women in space. Some critics took issue with the very idea of a costly space filming, while others praised it as an achievement. The Challenge was praised in reviews by Nezavisimaya Gazeta, KinoPoisk, and Lenta.ru, among others, while reviews in Kommersant and Film.ru were less enthusiastic, and Afisha was sharply critical.