Adam Sandler, playing cosmonaut Jakub Prochazka, is now on the 189th day of his cosmic mission in "Spaceman", shooting towards the enigmatic Chopra cloud around Jupiter. With a spacecraft past its prime and his mind weighted by the troubling absence of his pregnant wife Lenka's (played by Carey Mulligan) voice on the radio, Prochazka is hitting his limit. The efforts of his doctor, Peter (Kunal Nayyar), and Commission head, Tuma (Isabella Rossellini), do little to ease his anxiety, as he knows something is off. Jakub's reality takes another turn when Hanus, a colossal primordial spider voiced by Paul Dano, emerges on his ship, leaving him questioning the creature's existence. Despite the bizarre circumstances, Hanus may have the answers Jakub seeks regarding the cosmos and his own being.
The film, directed by Johan Renck and premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, presents a remarkably restrained Sandler tackling an emotionally nuanced role. Similar to films like "Ad Astra" and "First Man", Spaceman tells the compelling tale of stern men who choose to seek answers in space rather than face the familial pains back home. The conversations between Jakub and Hanus reveal in-depth aspects of Jakub's psychological state amidst the grandeur of space, creating a narrative balanced with introspection and empathy.
However, the initial parts of the film gravitate towards monotony. The restrictive confines of the spacecraft alone encompass most of the on-screen action. Through the eyes of a spider, DP Jakob Ihre captures the abstract reflections of Jakub's past. Yet the cinematography and limited dialogue fail to provide a comprehensive insight into the protagonist's life. Eventually, though, the film discovers its rhythm, much to the relief of viewers.
Sandler exhibits a character significantly contrasting from his emotional roles in "Uncut Gems" or "The Meyerowitz Stories". His quiet demeanor masks the rage and outburst commonly associated with him. Jakub's lack of popularity is intentional, given the character's traumatic past and difficulty in expressing emotions. Despite the intense probing, the chemistry and vulnerability between the man and the arachnid captivate viewers, providing both humor and warmth.
"Spaceman" has its imperfections. Mulligan's character lacks depth, and the film's overall tone could potentially still be too melancholic for some. Yet, it's dutiful to appreciate the undisputed charm of Sandler in his latest role. His ability to deliver a moving performance has become an expectation rather than a shock, especially in an introspective film like "Spaceman". This amalgamation of space exploration and deep human emotions surpasses a mere cheap tagline, embracing real, relatable experiences.
Initially screened at the Berlin Film Festival, "Spaceman" hit selected theaters on the 23rd of February before making its way to Netflix on the 1st of March.
