‘Spaceman’ Review: A Cosmic Odyssey With Lost Potential

Based on the absurdist Czech novel ‘Spaceman of Bohemia’ and helmed by Johan Renck, known for his work on the acclaimed Chernobyl series, Netflix’s latest offering, ‘Spaceman’ ventures into existential sci-fi territory with a heavy hand.

The film follows a Czech astronaut, Jakub, portrayed by Adam Sandler, on a commercial mission to the far reaches of the galaxy. Tasked with investigating mysterious glowing particles, Jakub faces the solitude of space, teetering on the brink of insanity. His hallucinations, including a giant talking spider, voiced by Paul Dano, serve as his only company.

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However, the film’s attempt at satire falls flat, particularly in its portrayal of the Czech space mission. The absence of Czech actors dilutes the comedy of non-Americanness and non-Nasaness, failing to capture the essence of the source material. Even the implied references to Tarkovsky’s ‘Solaris’ miss the mark.

Carey Mulligan plays Lenka, Jakub’s pregnant wife on Earth, whose subdued character lacks depth and development. The dynamics of their relationship remain vague, with flashbacks attempting to evoke emotion but falling short.

While the talking spider adds a whimsical touch reminiscent of ‘Alien,’ the humour feels forced, overshadowing Sandler and Mulligan’s comedic potential. As Jakub’s spacecraft drifts through space, the film delves into a subpar Malick-esque trance, failing to resonate on a deeper level.