MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / MOVIES

'Spaceman has crushed me': Netflix's sci-fi film charms fans despite 'slow and monotonous' plot

Audiences resonate with the exploration of loneliness and intricate relationship dynamics portrayed in Netflix's sci-fi movie 'Spaceman'

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: Netflix introduced a fresh addition to its science fiction category on Friday, March 1. Adam Sandler starrer 'Spaceman' premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, followed by a limited theatrical release before making its OTT debut.

The film is directed by Swedish director Johan Renck who won an Emmy Award in 2019 for his work on the mini-series 'Chernobyl'.

Adam Sandler's sci-fi film 'Spaceman' impresses the audience

In 'Spaceman,' Netflix delicately balances themes of human connection, solitude exploration, and survival. While the film struggles to fully integrate these themes, it manages to captivate audiences and win their hearts nonetheless.

Impressed by the teachings of the film, a fan wrote on X, "Spaceman has to be the most beautifully spiritual movie I have ever seen about overcoming one’s ego and truly learning to love! Hanus was the most amazing teacher and guide!"

Moved by the film's theme, another fan added "Spaceman has crushed me. I want a spider companion to talk about the beginning and end."

The shortcomings of the film don't seem to bother fans as they resonate with the plot and the emotions. A fan wrote, "I just watched "Spaceman". It was slow, and monotonous, And I really enjoyed it. I could see how others didn't. They are wrong though."

Another added, "Spaceman is a movie with great performances, interesting ideas and heavy themes tackled but it's ultimately bogged down by its slow pace, strange editing choices and ideas that could have been something but are never full expanded upon."

Adam Sandler, who is popularly known for his comic roles, has impressed people with his intense and layered performance in 'Spaceman'. Appreciating his work, a fan posted, "Spaceman is another fantastic dramatic performance from Sandler. The exploration of loneliness, isolation and family is woven with performances from Mulligan and Rosselini."

Carey Mulligan's portrayal of Lenka Prochazka hasn't gone unnoticed. Praising her, a fan wrote, "Just finished seeing spaceman… and i’m so proud of carey!! she ATE up her brief screentime as lenka. she was amazing (as always) in this role!! I’m so glad we’ve had three iconic characters played by her in the last few months. she’s really THE ACTRESS."

"Saw Spaceman tonight. As evidenced by critical reception, not everyone will like Renck's slow, avant-garde film, but I did. With strong performances, Sandler included, the result was an endearing, yet imperfectly brushed, "Solaris"-like story about life, isolation and decay," wrote another fan.

While praising the movie, a fan wrote, "Finished watching Spaceman on Netflix. It was a very good movie. The cast nailed their roles, especially Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan. The spider wasn’t as creepy as I thought. They did change the ending though. I won’t spoil it. But it was changed. 8.5/10 is my score." 

As social media is flooded with positive reviews for the film, it would be safe to say that 'Spaceman' has found its fan base despite mixed reviews from critics.

What is the plot of the Netflix film 'Spaceman'?

'Spaceman' follows the journey of Jakub Prochazka (Adam Sandler), a Czech cosmonaut, who embarks on a solo space mission to explore particles of a mysterious purple specter known as the Chopra cloud. Six months into isolation, millions of miles away from Earth, he gets a visitor.

A weird spider-like creature arrives at his spaceship, claiming to offer him help amid isolation and marital problems. Their encounter leads him to a path of self-introspection while unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

'Spaceman' is currently streaming on Netflix.