This is a space adventure that is not a normal space movie. Spaceman dives into the world of lost connection. Directed by John Renck, Spaceman explores the unsettling notion of loneliness and boredom while an astronaut is solo in space and deep in thought. Spaceman causes its audience to think deeply about how that individual is feeling. I was mesmerized by the film’s stunning cinematography that heightened the emotions that flow through the film’s narrative.
Spaceman focuses on an astronaut, Jakob Prochazka (played by Adam Sandler). Jakob is alone in space, but famous back home on Earth. His fame comes from the fact that he is from the Czech countryside and is the country’s first astronaut. He is on his way to do research on a mission in Venus. Back home, however, there is conflict with his wife Lenka (played by Carrey Mulligan). Jakob has not made his wife a priority, because he was focused on his life as an astronaut. Based upon Jakob’s background which involves a tainted relationship with his father,a Communist informer, he feels he needs to prioritize his mission…no matter the costs.
Jakob is in space to research ancient dust. His assistant Peter (played by Kunal Navyar) communicates with Jakob about anything aboard the spacecraft. Jakob’s knowledgeable colleague is Commissioner Tuma (played by Isabella Rossellini). Lenka, Peter, and Commissioner Tuma are all back on Earth. Jakob’s solitude causes him to have deep and dramatic thoughts. All his thinking begins to shift when a giant alien spider comes aboard with him. Jakob names the creature Hanus (voiced by Paul Dano). Once Jakob is with Hanus, Hanus helps guide his thinking and helps him realize how he can be a better person. The bond between Jakob and Hanus is one of empathy and compassion—two friends alone in space examining life far away.
Hanus becomes Jakob’s savior and allows him to be fulfilled. As Hanus says, “Perhaps my presence can lessen your solitude,” Spaceman transitions into a world of revelations as Jakob discovers truths which help bring him happiness once the mission in space is accomplished. As The film alternates between life on Earth and life in space with details that are in-depth and compelling.
The thorough exploration of feelings in Spaceman and their impact left me breathless. The performances of both Sandler and Mulligan are knockouts. Dano delivers the voice of wisdom as the creature companion in the film. The dynamic of mixed relationships with mentorship from Hanus creates a space odyssey in which sadness find a purpose. Will Jakob make things right with Lenka when he returns home? Do Jakob’s accomplishments make him feel important? Is Hanus there to encourage Jakob? There is the saying in the film that goes, “I have lived a life for all the wrong reasons.” From the film’s point-of-view seen through auteur direction, those reasons should not mean giving up.
With all the doubts, trials, and errors, Spaceman is a poetic deliverance. The friendship of Jakob and Hanus is like the Wilson connection from Cast Away. The astronaut loves the creature as much as Tom Hanks loved the Wilson ball. Spaceman beautifully portrays solitude and the desperation to have friendship and company. With the scenes of hardship and sadness so amazingly directed, Spaceman hit close to home for me. It made reflect upon how the past cannot be undone but there is still hope for things to be better in the present and the future. Will Jakob truly find love with Lenka after his mission? Find out in Spaceman. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.
Movies with Tarek 