Based on the eponymous novel by Czech writer Jaroslav Kalfar, published in 2017, “Spaceman” places Adam Sandler in one of his rare dramatic roles. He portrays Jakub Prochazka, an astronaut who, throughout his journey in space, is confronted with the weight of his choices. Raised by his grandparents after losing his parents, he had dreamed of exploring the universe since childhood. However, life led him to meet Lenka (Carey Mulligan), with whom he fell in love, married, and built a family. But the distance imposed by 189 days of mission begins to erode what once seemed unshakable.
Jakub is assigned to investigate a mysterious purple cloud, dubbed Chopra by scientists. However, something unsettling happens: Lenka stops sending messages. The anguish of solitude and the feeling of abandonment consume him. As he struggles with this unease, Hanus (Paul Dano), an extraterrestrial spider, appears in his spacecraft and takes on the unexpected role of confidant. Together, they delve into reflections on past traumas, mistakes, and an uncertain future. Is Hanus merely a reflection of Jakub’s fears and regrets? Or are they both facing the imminent end of their existences?
The film reflects on the distance in human relationships. In one of the opening moments, Lenka makes a symbolic request: “Where you go, I go. Where I go, you go”. Later, Hanus questions why we insist on making promises we know we cannot keep. Love rarely follows a predictable path. Relationships change, priorities shift, and we are not always able to be present as we wish. Pregnant with their second child, Lenka feels exhausted from waiting. However, Jakub’s absence goes beyond physical space: his mission also represents an emotional detachment. Some people choose to withdraw rather than face unresolved emotional matters.
“Spaceman”, available on Netflix, carries a melancholic and introspective atmosphere, blending philosophical elements with an aesthetic that at times borders on the naive. Its eccentric tone may be disconcerting, deterring those unwilling to engage with its premise. The story delves into the human psyche, exploring dreamlike layers that evoke oppression and uncertainty. Between reveries and symbolism, it seeks to translate its protagonist’s anxieties through a narrative that shifts between dream and reality, echoing the fragility of his emotions.
Adam Sandler delivers a subdued and meticulous performance. Unlike his previous dramatic roles, here he conveys exhaustion and resignation through mere glances and subtle gestures. The character’s emotional burden is palpable, and his portrayal deepens the film’s impact. This is a story carried almost entirely by its protagonist. Carey Mulligan, essentially a memory in Jakub’s mind, has few lines, functioning more as an echo of what he has lost. Although Sandler dominates the screen time, the supporting cast includes heavyweight names such as Isabella Rossellini, Lena Olin, Kunal Nayyar, and Paul Dano.
Film: Spaceman
Director: Johan Renck
Year: 2024
Genres: Drama/Sci-Fi
Rating: 8/10