Lewis John Bogdan

Breathe (2024) started strong with a clear BLM-inspired sci-fi vibe. However, Milla Jovovich's role quickly deflated faster than a party balloon, leaving us with glimpses of her actual face for a mere minute between mask appearances. The plot itself was a full-on oxygen deprivation chamber, riddled with holes and gasping for coherence. The acting, unfortunately, mirrored the script's demise, leaving me struggling to decipher the film's true message beyond a possible (and questionable) jab at reverse racism.

In the cosmic expanse of "Spaceman," a film directed by the same visionary behind "Martian," the viewer embarks on an interstellar journey that delves into existential crises, surrealism, and pays homage to literary and cinematic classics. Adam Sandler, known for his comedic prowess, takes on a nuanced role as the lead, crafting a spaceman's character grappling not only with the vastness of space but the intricacies of his own psyche. Drawing inspiration from Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis," the movie constructs a narrative tapestry that explores the isolation and "metamorphosis" of the protagonist’s mind against the backdrop of an apparently aimless space mission. A giant space spider, akin to Kafka's surreal elements, becomes the astronaut's confidant and onboard psychologist, a manifestation of his own psyche or a strange surreal reality, a whimsical twist that both adds depth and visibly, it became a point of contention among viewers, dividing them into two groups: Those who will love the movie and those who might despise it. The film pays homage to the cinematic legacy of "Space Odyssey: 2001," evident in its visual aesthetics and contemplative moments. The spacecraft's antique appearance, reminiscent of HAL's red eye, serves as a deliberate nod to Kubrick's masterpiece, creating a bridge between the past and present of sci-fi cinema. Further enriching the narrative is the thematic resonance with Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary." In this literary work, the protagonist faces a solitary journey with echoes of isolation and unexpected alliances, mirroring the cosmic odyssey depicted in "Spaceman." Weir's exploration of arachnid alien life and survival in the cosmos becomes a compelling parallel to Spaceman’s own cosmic journey. The movie weaves a tapestry of surrealism, loneliness, and questionable decisions, making us ponder the depths of space and the human psyche. Is this a commentary on the isolation of space travel, or perhaps a metaphor for the complexities of human relationships? The lines between cosmic absurdity and emotional introspection blur as Jakub our hero navigates his own existential crisis with Hanuš, his either imaginary or very much real giant space spider in chase of some “very shiny space dust”, while Lenka, his pregnant wife grapples with the void left by her absent “Spaceman”. Beneath the stellar tapestry, "Spaceman" unfolds as an extraterrestrial love ballet, where arachnid therapy intertwines with the dramatic dance of the stars. Buckle up, fellow celestial nomads, because "Spaceman" invites you on a whimsical escapade, unravelling the mysteries of the universe while uncovering the dramatized beauty concealed in the cosmic expanses, all under the watchful gaze of Jakub's celestial confidant and therapist, the telepathic spider, Hanuš.