The Relatable Alien: Exploring Loneliness and Self-Reflection in Netflix’s Spaceman

Truly alien creatures are hard to relate to because they’re so, well, alien. The best-realized ones have different cultures and biologies and belief systems that make them distinct from humanity and, thus, hard to understand. The alien in the Netflix film Spaceman is one recent example: a giant spider with squirming tentacles, a disturbingly human mouth, the calming voice of Paul Dano, and the ability to experience time nonlinearly. And yet, the weird critter is also very relatable. He’s nosy and perceptive and prone to creature comforts to ease stress; he’s creepy, sure, but I kind of love him. And paired with a remarkably restrained Adam Sandler as a burned-out astronaut, his presence makes for some sad and soothing science fiction.

Directed by Johan Renck and based on the novel Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfař, Spaceman follows a Czech astronaut named Jakub (Sandler) on a solo journey to explore a strange phenomenon called the Chopra Cloud somewhere near Jupiter. Jakub has few people to talk to — his supervisor Peter (Kunal Nayyar) is always in his ear to keep things on track, and he’s able to video chat with his wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan) thanks to a device that looks like an ’80s arcade cabinet — but he’s physically isolated. Things only get worse as calls with Lenka become increasingly infrequent. This leads to a lot of time spent alone in the quiet of space, thinking.

And then, suddenly, he’s not alone anymore. Very early on in Spaceman, Jakub is joined by a mysterious alien he eventually names Hanus (Dano). The giant spider has a fascination with humans and spent an undetermined amount of time learning our history, language, and customs. But he’s especially attracted to Jakub: as a solo explorer himself, Hanus feels drawn to the lonely spaceman. And once Jakub gets over the shock of, you know, a huge talking spider making a sudden appearance in his otherwise empty world, the two quickly connect.

Hanus has the ability to peer into Jakub’s thoughts and memories, and he uses this to explore his past but mostly to understand his deteriorating relationship with Lenka. It’s a little bit Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, except Hanus takes on something of a therapist role: from his detached perspective, he’s able to use details from Jakub’s life to figure out how and why things went the way they did and then be brutally honest regarding his findings. Spaceman starts out as a cute but weird buddy story but eventually morphs into a raw exploration of loneliness and coming to terms with our own personal failings.

Since so much of the film takes place with two characters in the confines of a small spaceship, the performances are a large reason why the movie works so well. Sandler sounds a bit odd at first — he’s sort of doing a Czech accent but also kind of not — but he shows a new side of himself here, one that isn’t outright goofball or tense bundle of nerves. He’s quiet and reserved, with the haggard look of someone struggling both mentally and physically. Dano, meanwhile, is alternately cool and warm, with an alien viewpoint (his race doesn’t experience guilt, for instance) that, at times, becomes sentimental. (It turns out that Nutella tastes a lot like a certain larvae delicacy from his home world.) The two play off each other well: Jakub wants to ignore the truth, while Hanus can’t stop bringing it to the surface.

Eventually, the story comes back to its core sci-fi mystery, and Spaceman does a very good job of tying these threads together in a way that feels natural and ends on a hopeful note, without devolving into a cliche happy ending. It’s sad, yes, but in a cathartic way — and almost makes you want to hug a talking spider. Even if Hanus would never be down for that.

Spaceman is streaming now on Netflix.

[Image Source: Spaceman Official Trailer]

Based on the fascinating concept of an astronaut’s journey through space accompanied by a giant alien spider, Spaceman takes viewers on a unique and introspective adventure. This sci-fi film, directed by Johan Renck and adapted from the novel Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfař, explores themes of loneliness, personal reflection, and the complexities of human relationships.

The film revolves around the character of Jakub, portrayed by Adam Sandler, a Czech astronaut embarking on a solo mission to investigate the enigmatic Chopra Cloud near Jupiter. Through the superb performance of Sandler, viewers witness the emotional struggles of an astronaut grappling with isolation and a deteriorating connection with his wife Lenka, portrayed by Carey Mulligan.

However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn when Jakub encounters an intriguing alien companion named Hanus, played by the talented Paul Dano. Hanus, with his unusual physical features and the ability to perceive time non-linearly, quickly develops a deep interest in human culture and forms a strong bond with Jakub. As the two characters delve into Jakub’s past experiences and memories, Hanus serves as a therapist of sorts, providing insights and confronting uncomfortable truths regarding their relationship.

While Spaceman primarily takes place within the confined spaces of a spaceship, the performances of both Sandler and Dano bring depth and authenticity to the story. Sandler’s portrayal of Jakub showcases a different side of his acting abilities, portraying a complex and introspective character. Dano, on the other hand, skillfully embodies the enigmatic and sympathetic alien entity, with moments of sentimental reflection that captivate the audience.

Amidst the exploration of personal struggles and emotional dynamics, Spaceman ultimately weaves a captivating sci-fi mystery. The film expertly balances these narrative threads, culminating in a conclusion that delivers a sense of hope without succumbing to predictable endings. It is a bittersweet journey, evoking a cathartic response and leaving viewers contemplating the depth of their own human experiences.

Looking beyond the film’s narrative, Spaceman also prompts us to consider the broader implications of its themes. In a world where loneliness and disconnect are increasingly prevalent, it serves as a poignant reminder to cherish and nurture our relationships. The exploration of human emotions and personal failings raises questions regarding our own introspection and the importance of addressing these aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, in an era of technological advancements and space exploration, Spaceman offers a glimpse into the potential for encounters with extraterrestrial lifeforms. While the giant alien spider may seem fantastical, it presents an intriguing perspective on the idea of connecting with beings from beyond our own planet.

In considering the future trends related to the themes explored in Spaceman, it is evident that the concept of human connection and self-reflection will continue to be paramount. As we navigate an increasingly digitized world, finding ways to combat loneliness and prioritize meaningful connections will be essential. Additionally, the film’s portrayal of alien contact serves as a reminder of the vast possibilities awaiting us in space exploration, while also highlighting the importance of openness and understanding in interstellar encounters.

Drawing from the thought-provoking themes of Spaceman, it is crucial for society to embrace empathy, self-reflection, and maintaining genuine connections with fellow human beings. By doing so, we can cultivate a future where emotional well-being and understanding are at the forefront of our interactions.

As we embark on our own personal journeys, both internally and perhaps even externally into the cosmos, the lessons from Spaceman resonate deeply. The film invites us to reflect on the challenges we face, the relationships we cherish, and the potential for connection with otherworldly beings. Through its heartfelt performances and compelling narrative, Spaceman reminds us of the power of understanding, empathy, and the shared experiences that define us as human beings.

[YouTube video of Spaceman Official Trailer embed here]

[Image of Spaceman film poster here]

In conclusion, Spaceman captures the essence of human emotions, relationship complexities, and the profound impact of personal introspection. With its memorable performances, engaging storyline, and thought-provoking themes, the film leaves a lasting impression. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing connections, exploring our own emotional depths, and embracing the vast possibilities that lie both within ourselves and in the vast expanse of space.

References:
Spaceman Official Trailer. Retrieved from [YouTube link of the official trailer]
Spaceman film poster. Retrieved from [Image source of the film poster]