Spaceman (2024) – Join Adam Sandler’s Epic Space Journey

189 days into his space mission, Jakub Prochazka (Adam Sandler) is headed towards Jupiter to study the mysterious Chopra cloud. Struggling with sleep deprivation and a malfunctioning spacecraft, he’s haunted by the silence from his pregnant wife, Lenka (Carey Mulligan). Despite reassurances from his physician, Peter (Kunal Nayyar), and Commissioner Tuma (Isabella Rossellini) at Mission Control, Jakub feels something is amiss. Then, a giant primordial spider named Hanus (voiced by Paul Dano) appears, blurring the line between reality and hallucination. With Hanus’s guidance, Jakub might uncover the universe’s secrets and his own.

In Johan Renck’s ‘Spaceman,’ premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, Adam Sandler delivers a surprisingly understated performance in a poignant space odyssey. Unlike typical space dramas like ‘Ad Astra’ and ‘First Man,’ where stoic protagonists avoid confronting personal traumas, here, Sandler’s character, Jakub, finds solace in the company of a giant spider named Hanus. Through their interactions, Jakub confronts his childhood scars and present uncertainties, turning the film into a reflective journey filled with empathy, rather than grandiosity.

The first half of “Spaceman” feels like a drag, mostly taking place in the cramped spacecraft. We only step outside during flashbacks where Hanus explores Jakub’s memories to understand his depression. These flashbacks, shot from a spider’s perspective, lack informative framing and feel limiting. Even the space scenes, despite the ethereal score, appear flat, resembling purple sludge clouds rather than the awe-inspiring galaxy. The dialogue, adapted from Jaroslav Kalfař’s novel, feels repetitive, with Carey Mulligan’s lines particularly limited. However, the film picks up its pace later on.

In “Spaceman,” Adam Sandler showcases a different kind of performance compared to his previous dramatic roles like “Uncut Gems” or “The Meyerowitz Stories.” There are no loud outbursts or uncontrollable rage here. Instead, Sandler embodies quiet melancholy as Jakub, a character consumed by traumatic memories. Despite his struggles to open up and consider his wife Lenka’s needs, Sandler’s portrayal effectively captures Jakub’s exhaustion and inner turmoil, even if we’re left wondering why Lenka was drawn to him in the first place.

Despite its serious tone, ‘Spaceman’ maintains a lightheartedness, embracing its absurd premise of Sandler in space with a giant spider. Some comedic moments stem from Jakub’s overwhelming depression, which even affects the spider, leading to amusing scenes of the arachnid seeking solace in snacks. Paul Dano’s voice work adds depth to the spider character, blending heaviness with vulnerability and a sense of humor. The unlikely friendship between Jakub and the spider, two isolated beings, is charming and heartwarming, highlighted by a hug that elicits both laughter and warmth.

Despite its flaws, ‘Spaceman’ falls short in character development, particularly with Mulligan’s underwritten role. However, Mulligan’s performance adds depth to her character despite the limitations. The film’s overall tone may be too subdued for some, but Sandler shines in this dramatic register. His ability to deliver a nuanced performance has become expected, and in ‘Spaceman,’ it resonates deeply. The film’s themes of moving on, caring for others, and self-redefinition are brought to life authentically, making ‘the Sandman in space’ more than just a catchy phrase but a meaningful exploration.