Spaceman Movie Review: Exploring Adam Sandler's Space Odyssey Amid Sci-Fi Plot Challenges

In 2020, Adam Sandler made a playful threat to return to making intentionally bad Netflix movies if snubbed for an Oscar nomination. Fast forward to 2024, and Sandler is back with "Spaceman," a project that may just break the mold of his previous Netflix films.

Arthouse Meets Sci-Fi In An Uneven Interpretation Of A Well-Received Novel

Spaceman, based on the 2017 novel by Jaroslav Kalfař, tells the story of a Czech cosmonaut facing a daunting mission, struggling marriage, and unique friendship with a giant spider named Hanuš. The novel was celebrated for its wit, meaningful metaphors, and lighthearted take on sci-fi. However, the movie adaptation, helmed by Chernobyl's Johan Renck and written by Colby Day, fails to capture the essence of the original work.

One of the main drawbacks of Spaceman lies in the transition from book to film, resulting in significant parts of the narrative being left out and placing a heavy burden on the lead actor. While Renck's movie presents a visually stunning and introspective approach to sci-fi, delving into human emotions and themes rather than relying on technological spectacles, it falls short in terms of coherence. Despite its impressive aesthetics, the film forces the actor to carry much of the storytelling weight, as the script and direction do little to support the performance.

Adam Sandler Once Again Proves His Skills As A Dramatic Actor

Adam Sandler struggles through the shuttle in Spaceman - Adam Sandler Once Again Proves His Skills As A Dramatic Actor

Sandler, like many comics before and after him, has had to demonstrate his skills beyond comedy. Audiences and critics have been consistently impressed by his dramatic performances, with Uncut Gems being a standout moment that generated awards buzz comparable to Punch Drunk Love.

One major flaw of Spaceman is the difficulty in translating the story from the page to the screen, resulting in significant portions of the narrative being left behind. This puts a heavy burden on the lead actor to carry the film.

Sandler's performance in Spaceman is a departure from his usual bravado, showcasing a more subdued and reflective side. The chemistry between him and Carey Mulligan as his wife may be questionable, but Mulligan's professionalism shines through. Interestingly, Sandler shares better chemistry with Paul Dano, who voices the massive spider in the film.

While Sandler is known for his comedic prowess, Spaceman does not aim to be a comedy. However, there is a subtle comedic undertone that Sandler effectively embraces, adding to the film's absurdity. Despite this, the performance at times feels unsupported, with narrative ideas and themes lacking consistency and depth.

Without Adam Sandler, There's Little Left Of Spaceman To Enjoy

Adam Sandler wears an astronaut suit in Spaceman - Without Adam Sandler, There's Little Left Of Spaceman To Enjoy

Spaceman’s only draw is Sandler, with a number of supporting actors aiding him. However, the movie remains adrift for too long, focusing on technical achievements rather than solidifying the core themes of Jakub's despair, loneliness, and existential crisis. In the midst of human achievement and the vastness of the universe, the story simply follows a man navigating through his struggles.

While the movie's technical aspects are visually captivating, effectively portraying the extreme nature of Jakub’s mission and the emotional turmoil he faces, the script fails to weave these elements together to guide us through Jakub's journey. As a result, the audience is left adrift, watching Sandler deliver a somber and insightful performance without a clear connection to the overarching narrative.

Spaceman Has Its Flaws, But It May Find An Audience

Adam Sandler faces the creature in Spaceman - Spaceman Has Its Flaws, But It May Find An Audience

Premiering Spaceman at the Berlin Film Festival was an attempt to position the film as prestige cinema, portraying a thoughtful, arthouse sci-fi aesthetic. However, it falls short in its execution. Despite Jakub receiving emotional and mental support from a giant spider (voiced by Dano), the movie fails to captivate and engage the audience.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of drifting aimlessly, focusing more on technical aspects rather than establishing a clear narrative about Jakub's despair, loneliness, and existential crisis. The potential for depth and meaning remains unfulfilled, leaving the audience wanting more from the storyline.

The special effects are visually impressive, and Sandler's dedication to acting alongside a fantastical creature is commendable. However, Spaceman lacks captivating narrative decisions. Netflix's decision to change the original title of the novel to something as mundane as Spaceman is a clear example of this. The catchy title of the novel, Spaceman of Bohemia, was dropped. It is likely that many will say "the book was better" when discussing the movie, but there may still be an audience for it if expectations are adjusted.

Editor's P/S:

While "Spaceman" boasts Adam Sandler's exceptional performance and impressive visual effects, it ultimately falls short in capturing the essence of its source novel. The narrative suffers from a lack of coherence and depth, leaving the audience adrift amidst the stunning visuals. Sandler's performance, though commendable, is not enough to salvage the film's flaws.

Despite its arthouse aspirations, "Spaceman" fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging story. The narrative's inability to translate effectively from page to screen results in a sense of aimlessness and a lack of emotional connection with the characters. The film may find an audience willing to overlook its shortcomings, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression on viewers expecting a truly compelling sci-fi experience.