A movie with Adam Sandler and a giant space spider would have a very particular vibe if it were made in the 1990s, but at this point in Sandler’s career, that carries different connotations. Rather than a wacky adventure, Johan Renck’s “Spaceman,” now streaming on Netflix, is a lovely drama that addresses themes surrounding atonement, abandonment and love.
Jakub Prochazka (Sandler) is six months into his year-long solo space mission, exploring the outer edges of the cloud near Jupiter. When he does remote interviews back on earth, he’s often referred to as the loneliest man who has ever lived. Part of his loneliness stems from leaving his pregnant wife, Lenka (Carey Mulligan), behind on earth. When Jakub realizes that he hasn’t heard from Lenka in weeks, he asks the team to get him in touch with her. As he waits, a giant spider-like creature that Jakub names Hanus (Paul Dano) begins to speak to him, probing his memories and feelings, trying to better understand what is going on. As Jakub experiences his memories again through Hanus, he comes to learn more about who he is and what drives him.
I found this to be a beautiful film. Because of the way that Hanus communicates with Jakub, there is a lot of non-linear storytelling taking place. That results in a bit of a slow start to this film, but as it moves along and we get a fuller understanding of Jakub’s character, the depth of the story reveals itself, and I found myself engrossed in the ways that shame and fear can drive so many extreme actions.
I have never seen Sandler so subdued, even in his more serious movies. He generally has an energy that breaks out at least a few times, but in “Spaceman,” he maintains a quiet demeanor throughout. Honestly, all of the performances in this are understated. Mulligan shows the pain of being left at the most vulnerable moment but never goes overboard in her grief or anger. And Dano, as Hanus, gives a thoughtful, measured performance.
The visuals in this movie were beautiful. The cloud that Jakub is investigating is breathtaking, and Hanus is rendered in a way that looks absolutely life-like. There have been a number of movies lately with shoddy-looking CGI due to studios rushing that work, but the effects in this movie are impressive.
In this movie, both Jakub and Hanus have left people they love in order to escape something that seemed more horrible, only to discover that most situations follow you no matter where you go. As I was watching it, “Spaceman” made me think about the events in my life that I wish I could have escaped. Regrets I have tried to atone for. But the truth is, often, whether we stay and face the difficult things or leave, they can consume us. At least if we stay, we don’t have to face them alone.
ALISE CHAFFINS is a Morgantown writer who loves movies and sharing her opinions. She reviews a movie from a streaming service every Saturday and one newly in theaters every Sunday. Find more at MacGuffin or Meaning on Substack.
