Exploring Spaceman: Unveiling the Plot of Adam Sandler's Netflix Film

Adam Sandler is once again showcasing his acting skills in the new sci-fi movie Spaceman on Netflix, directed by the same person behind Chernobyl. Curious about what the movie is about, who stars in it, and whether it's worth watching?

Sandler is known for his comedic roles in films such as Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, Click, and Big Daddy. He has also appeared in movies that received mixed reviews like You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and Grown Ups.

He is not only a talented comedian but also a skilled actor with a wide range of abilities, although this is often overlooked. Paul Thomas Anderson recognized this in Punch-Drunk Love, Reign Over Me did not receive much attention, and Uncut Gems finally brought him the recognition he deserved (although he did not win the Oscar).

His latest dramatic film, Spaceman, is one of the top new movies arriving on Netflix in March. Here's what you should know.

What is Spaceman about?

Spaceman tells the story of a single astronaut (played by Sandler) who embarks on a journey to explore a puzzling cloud near Jupiter. However, his connection with his wife (portrayed by Carey Mulligan) becomes tense, leaving him with only a friendly alien spider (played by Paul Dano) for companionship.

The movie, directed by Johan Renck (Chernobyl and Breaking Bad), is based on Jaroslav Kalfař’s 2017 novel Spaceman of Bohemia.

The official synopsis of the movie "Lost in Space" is as follows:

"Lost in Space" Synopsis: Six months into a solo research mission at the edge of the solar system, astronaut Jakub (played by Adam Sandler) realizes that his marriage to Lenka (played by Carey Mulligan) may be in jeopardy upon his return to Earth. Determined to repair his relationship with his wife, Jakub receives assistance from a mysterious creature named Hanuš (voiced by Paul Dano) who has been hiding in the depths of his spacecraft since the beginning of time. Together, Jakub and Hanuš work to uncover the reasons behind the strained relationship before it's too late.

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Renck believed that even people afraid of spiders would adore Hanuš if they saw his kind heart and soul, despite his giant spider appearance.

"I am also afraid of spiders, something I've had to face a little bit because I have four kids. Every now and then, I have to chase spiders out of their rooms - and that's actually related to the movie," he shared in an interview with Dexerto.

"I wanted Hanuš to be gross, terrifying, creepy, pitiful... but also charming and kind. I thought, 'That's going to be a challenge.' But what I've come to realize and understand now is this: no matter how repulsive, scary, ugly, or strange something looks... if it has a good heart and soul, you will end up loving it."

Spaceman cast: Who’s in it?

Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan in Spaceman

Netflix

The Spaceman cast includes:

Adam Sandler as Jakub Procházka

Paul Dano as the voice of Hanuš

Carey Mulligan as Lenka Procházka, Jakub’s pregnant wife

Kunal Nayyar as Peter, a technician at the Czech space port

Lena Olin as Zdena

Isabella Rossellini as Commissioner Tuma, Jakub’s commanding officer

Sandler is known for his comedic roles, but he is taking on a new challenge with this dramatic role. Renck, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, appreciates comedians in serious roles for their fearlessness.

Sandler shared that he put in his best effort for this role. He mentioned that the director wanted him to portray the character differently than his usual style, which was a challenging process.

Mulligan was captivated by the story because it was romantic, beautiful, and offered a fresh perspective post-COVID. It highlighted the importance of priorities and staying focused on what truly matters.

In a conversation with Little White Lies, Dano shared his experience of finding the voice for Hanuš, likening it to feeling like a doula.

He explained that there was a sense of calm, wisdom, and gentle guidance in our rehearsals, like a spiritual guide leading the way. I found myself naturally gravitating towards that direction, especially during scenes with Johan. I remember questioning if there could be more to it, but ultimately, it felt most authentic when it stayed in a simple and peaceful place.

If you feel like you've seen Nayyar before, it's highly likely – as he portrayed Raj in the popular TV show, The Big Bang Theory.

Is Spaceman worth watching?

Adam Sandler in Spaceman

Netflix

While Spaceman has a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes, we still think it’s worth watching.

Our four-star review praised it as a "sweet Solaris riff" that may not break new ground in sci-fi, but its message is truly wonderful: love is something we all can experience, even with all the mysteries of the universe.

Other reviewers have also given positive feedback. HeyUGuys called it a "cosmic epic that touches us personally," while Empire labeled it a "unique, heartfelt sci-fi drama" showcasing Sandler's best serious acting.

However, some critics have a more critical opinion of the film. The New York Times mentioned that "Spaceman" lacks insight into human nature and fails to engage with political themes. They also expressed disappointment that the film did not even reach the level of being so bad it becomes memorable. Screen International described the film as dull and slow-paced sci-fi that may make viewers want to escape.

You can now watch Spaceman on Netflix. Wondering about the timeline of the movie? We've got all the details for you. Be sure to also explore our analysis of the ending and discover other exciting new movies coming out this March.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides a thorough overview of the upcoming sci-fi film "Spaceman," starring Adam Sandler. It highlights Sandler's departure from his usual comedic roles and explores the movie's premise, cast, and critical reception. The article also includes interesting insights from the director and cast members, giving readers a glimpse into the creative process behind the film.

Overall, the article effectively introduces "Spaceman" and piques readers' interest in the movie. It presents a balanced view by including both positive and negative reviews, allowing readers to make an informed decision about whether to watch the film. The inclusion of the top 10 anime with the best story is a bit unexpected but adds an element of entertainment and keeps the article engaging.