‘Spaceman’ Netflix Movie Review - A Journey into Self Introspection

Space fans here is your much-awaited movie. We have all grown up watching some space movie or the other. And here’s another one to be added to the list.  As the clock ticks relentlessly towards the 189th day of his cosmic odyssey, Jakub Prochazka (played by Adam Sandler) finds himself hurtling through the vast expanse of space towards the enigmatic Chopra cloud surrounding Jupiter in the gripping film "Spaceman." But for this solitary cosmonaut, the weight of his mission is eclipsed by the haunting silence from his pregnant wife, Lenka.

Struggling to maintain his sanity amidst the confines of a malfunctioning spacecraft that has weathered its fair share of trials, Jakub teeters on the brink of collapse. Sleep-deprived and besieged by doubts, his thoughts are consumed not by the scientific mysteries awaiting him on Jupiter, but by the ominous absence of communication from his beloved wife. He floats through his spacecraft wondering about his life. Things only seem to go downhill from here.

At the beginning of the movie itself, we see a giant spider entering his spacecraft. Earlier hesitant, we now see that Jakub is talking to him, even sharing his life. They both seem to have befriended each other and the gigantic spider is even giving him advice. Through this, Jakub is understanding his life and what he has done wrong as a family man. But wait how can there be a spider in Jupiter’s orbit? Is this an alien or a fragment of his imagination? With Hanus(the name he gave to the spider) as his guide, Jakub embarks on a voyage of exploration that transcends the confines of space and time, delving into the existential questions that have haunted humanity since time immemorial.

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, Jakub finds solace, wisdom, and perhaps even redemption, as he confronts the shadows that linger within and confronts the mysteries that lie beyond the stars. With fragments of his troublesome childhood and yearly youth, Jakub finds confidence and solace in the spider. Earthside, Lenka’s wife is tired from not seeing him around. Life for her isn’t easy, pregnant with their child, she has absolutely zero or no communication with her astronaut husband.  She doesn’t know how to navigate life.

"Spaceman" intricately navigates the labyrinth of human relationships and the complexities that accompany them. At the center of this intricate web is Jakub, a character struggling to unravel the intricacies of existence. Adam Sandler's portrayal of Jakub is nothing short of compelling, as he embodies the role of a tired astronaut who once prioritized his dreams over the bonds of his life and is now in regret.

The film presents a unique perspective on the significance of relationships, showcasing how Jakub grapples with the consequences of his choices and the impact they have had on those closest to him. Through Jakub's journey, viewers are invited to contemplate the delicate balance between ambition and connection, and the profound ways in which our choices shape our lives. Against the backdrop of a fast-paced plot, "Spaceman" captivates audiences with its relentless momentum, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they are drawn deeper into Jakub's existential odyssey. Each twist and turn of the narrative serves to heighten the intrigue, unveiling new layers of complexity and depth to the story.

In the end, "Spaceman" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience, offering a compelling narrative that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. With its stellar performances, engaging plot, and profound themes, it is a cinematic journey that transcends the boundaries of space and time, leaving an indelible mark on those who embark upon it.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times