On a 189-day long mission, cosmonaut Jakub Prochazka (Adam Sandler) is on his way to Jupiter in the sci-fi film "Spaceman", engaged in studying the enigmatic Chopra cloud. The conditions are gruelling, with a broken-down spaceship and lack of sleep pushing him to the edge. But the deepest cut is the deafening silence from his pregnant wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan). No matter how much his doctor Peter (Kunal Nayyar) and Commissioner Tuma (Isabella Rossellini) from Mission Control try to assuage his anxieties, Jakub senses something is amiss. The appearance of a massive prehistoric spider named Hanus (Paul Dano) on his ship adds to his troubles, making him question whether it's a reality or just a hallucination born from exhaustion and desperation. Hanus' presence, however, might just lead Jakub to unravel not just the mysteries of cosmos, but also himself.
"Spaceman," directed by Johan Renck, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, and sees Sandler take on an understated role in what could be described as a poignant space epic. It belongs to a genre of films that portrays introspective men venturing into the unknown rather than facing the tragedies they've left behind on earth. For Jakub, the arachnid visitor Hanus becomes his unconventional therapist, guiding him through painful childhood recollections and present-day insecurities.
The initial part of "Spaceman," though, does feel tedious. Most of the scenes take place within the confines of the spacecraft, and the only break is when Hanus delves into Jakub's past to understand his distress. These flashbacks, shot from a spider's perspective, provide a fragmented and reflective outlook but fall short in delivering a comprehensive narrative. The celestial images too feel lacklustep, not quite capturing the grandeur they should. Gradually, however, the film gains momentum and finds its pace.
Sandler's performance is a deviation from his previous dramatic roles. There's minimal dramatic outburst or volatile rage. It's his quiet melancholy that takes center stage, and though Jakub's character isn't endearing, Sandler manages to deliver with conviction.
"Spaceman" maintains an air of whimsicality despite the oppressive tone. There are laugh-out-loud instances, most arising from the spider too succumbing to Jakub's overpowering depression and resorting to comfort eating. The camaraderie between man and spider adds a heartwarming charm to the film.
"Spaceman" certainly isn't flawless. Lenka's character, played by Mulligan, seems underdeveloped, and the overall tone might seem too dreary for some. Nevertheless, Sandler shines in his role, having comfortably found his footing in dramatic roles. His portrayal in "Spaceman" is about facing the inevitability of evolution and transcending the fears of the past, before it's too late. The concept of "Sandman in space" isn't just a catchy tagline but implants the idea of something substantial and profound brewing.
The review originates from the Berlin Film Festival. "Spaceman" will be released in select theaters on February 23rd, with a Netflix release scheduled for March 1st.
