Spaceman

Directed by: Johan Renck

Screenplay by: Colby Day

Czech Astronaut Jakub Procházka (Adam Sandler) is 6 months into a mission to investigate a strange purple cloud that has sat in the night skies for the last four years. However, he is now at a point where the tiredness and loneliness are taking there toll, not only on Jakub but on his relationship with his wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan).  However, when he discovers a strange presence onboard his ship, it becomes a companion with who he evaluates his life, his loves, losses, regrets and, as they head into the purple cloud, maybe a chance for redemption.

This is an odd slow burner of a film. It’s far from perfect it’s uneven at times, often  meandering, sometimes odd, but also sometimes touching and thought provoking. It’s a story of loss, regret, love and self discovery for Jakub and his strange companion, Hanuš (Paul Dano).

There are certainly things that do work, this includes Sandler’s performance, he carries much of this on his own and in one of his most restrained appearances, he captures well the feeling of isolation and helplessness so far from home. Carey Mulligan is a little under utilized as Lenka, but delivers it with the quality you expect. Paul Dano is just the right level of weird for Hanuish.

The set design is an interesting late 80’s early 90’s display of Czech technology and adds to the feeling of out of time and place.

There are problems, its pacing can be very slow, it story sometimes a little confused and dialogue a bit on the nose. But for all of that it also does have a quirky charm to it and at times is touching.

This is by no means perfect. It often moves too slowly and is a bit disjointed. But there is also enough intrigue, tension, occasional humour and touching moments to make it feel worthwhile. Probably not for everyone but I enjoyed it enough.

Available on Netflix.