Spaceman

➤Rated R
➤Netflix

Everyone knows that in ­science-fiction films the horrible alien creature’s one job is to lurk inside the spacecraft and then jump out and shred cowering astronauts to pieces. The creature doesn’t invade so it can—for example—offer marital counseling to a stressed-out star trekker. Not unless that creature is in the new Netflix film Spaceman starring Adam Sandler, that is. Despite its unconventional premise, the film thoughtfully explores the trials of marriage and ultimately affirms it.

Jakub Procházka (Sandler) is a Czech astronaut six months into a critical solo mission near Jupiter. Loneliness and separation from his pregnant wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan) are taking an emotional toll. On Earth, Lenka confides to a friend that Jakub has always put his career before her, even during a prior family tragedy. She tries to tell Jakub she’s going to leave him, but the control center’s commissioner (Isabella Rossellini) intercepts the message to spare Jakub and preserve the mission.

While Jakub is wondering why he hasn’t heard from Lenka, a giant spider enters his spaceship. Its desire is not to harm Jakub. “Your loneliness intrigued me,” Hanuŝ the spider (voiced by Paul Dano) quietly informs Jakub. “I might be of help.”

Spaceman has arresting visuals and strong dramatic performances from Sandler and Mulligan but also a dozen expletives and an “everything is permanent yet nothing ever is” mysticism. And that oversized arachnid in the room? If it’s a figment of Jakub’s imagination, the film doesn’t let on. But either way, Hanuŝ helps Jakub reevaluate his priorities. Jakub also develops a fondness for his strange visitor—as will some viewers for this strange but stirring film.