Spaceman

This introspective take on the slow-burn, lonely-man-in-space tale hovers somewhere between pulpy schlock and genuine greatness. Standout elements include a strong atmosphere and compelling storytelling, supported by a fine performance from Adam Sandler—reminding us that when he takes his craft seriously, the man can genuinely act. Equally effective is the film’s exploration of personal accountability and the lingering discomfort that often accompanies heartbreak. Make no mistake: the premise is outlandish, yet the film is grounded in enough human realism to make us forget about the giant, telepathic spider in the room.

The movie accomplishes something rare: it embraces a completely absurd premise with sincerity, layering a deeply human story on top. The acting is strong enough to justify this approach—without it, the material could have easily devolved into a well-intentioned but easily spoofable misfire. Spaceman avoids that fate, yet it ultimately presents a narrative that only hints at its more bizarre elements without fully committing to them. Despite centering on a cosmonaut receiving relationship advice from a giant space spider, the story maintains a restrained approach. A deeper dive into the film’s surreal aspects—or simply allowing more of them to surface while dialing back some of the melodrama—might have led to a more engaging experience.