Jakub, the character portrayed by Adam Sandler in Spaceman, appears to have returned home — or perhaps, it is only what he wishes for. The closing scenes of the science fiction drama are left deliberately unclear, hinting at a kind of personal peace Jakub has been chasing throughout the story.
“What I appreciate about art in any form is when it leaves a lingering thought,” director Johan Renck shared with Netflix. “If I finish watching a film and I find myself still feeling its effect inside me, that, for me, is a success — and something I always expect from a good story.”
The Chopra cloud becomes a mirror for Jakub’s deepest regrets and lost love (Photo: Spaceman/Free Association)Here is a breakdown of what moves beneath the surface of Spaceman’s ending, with insights directly from Renck.
What Is the Chopra Cloud About?
Adapted from Jaroslav Kalfař’s novel Spaceman of Bohemia, the film follows Jakub, a lone astronaut, on a bizarre journey aimed at studying the Chopra cloud — a strange astral event.
After spending exactly 189 days in space, he reaches Jupiter’s orbit and makes contact with his commanding officer, Commissioner Tuma (played by Isabella Rossellini). She informs him: “This phenomenon has haunted our skies for the past four years, and now the images you’ve sent have captured the attention of the world.”
The movie deliberately avoids providing a straightforward explanation of the cloud’s nature. Jakub’s unexpected companion, the spider-like being Hanuš (voiced by Paul Dano), calls a small particle of it “a grain from the Beginning.” This hints at the beginning of the universe itself, but on a deeper level, Jakub’s study of the Chopra cloud mirrors his introspection about the early days of his relationship.
What Is Lenka’s Anger Towards Jakub About?
As Jakub’s mission progresses, the Chopra cloud seems to trigger vivid flashbacks, pulling his mind back to thoughts of his estranged wife, Lenka (Carey Mulligan). Lenka contemplates ending their marriage, largely because Jakub left her on Earth — alone and expecting their child.
Carey Mulligan explained to Netflix that she wanted to avoid portraying Lenka as the typical “grieving wife left behind.” Instead, she saw Lenka’s role as a powerful depiction of agency. “I loved that she makes a strong choice to move forward without him. She’s not just sitting in sadness because he’s gone. She isolates herself from him specifically, because it’s what she needs to keep going.”
For Renck, the heart of Spaceman lies in its portrayal of love, loneliness, and distance. “It has always been a love story for me,” he said, “with the setting of deep space providing a strong metaphor for the feeling of being completely alone.”
Do Jakub and Lenka End Up Together Again?
In the closing moments, Jakub and Lenka share what appears to be a warm, almost dreamlike reunion by a riverbank — but whether Jakub has truly returned home remains unclear. It is hinted that he might have been rescued by a competing South Korean mission studying the Chopra cloud.
However, the scene, which mirrors their first kiss, could just as well be a fantasy of reconciliation created by Jakub’s mind. Regardless of interpretation, it underlines their emotional connection and Jakub’s regret for abandoning her.
“If I had known what I know now, I would never have left,” Jakub says to Lenka from his spacecraft. Their story closes on a hopeful note, though their future remains open and depends on choices they will make going forward.
Is Hanuš a Real Being?
The answer is yes. “Hanuš is a creature from the beginning of existence who chooses to meet Jakub,” Renck stated. “There are Hanuš-like beings out there; we are not alone.”
Hanuš, voiced by Paul Dano, stands as Jakub’s only companion throughout the movie. Although unconventional, he often serves as Jakub’s voice of reason. Renck likened Hanuš to iconic figures like HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey and Yoda from The Empire Strikes Back, but made it clear that they aimed for something fresh. “We were determined not to create just another version of those characters,” he said.
Spaceman’s quiet ending leaves more questions than answers in the best way (Photo: Spaceman/Free Association)Paul Dano took the role seriously, working closely with Renck to understand Hanuš. “The character felt very clear from the beginning,” Dano explained. “We did several rehearsals so Adam could interact with a real version of Hanuš.”
When Dano could not be present, the crew used a large plush spider to stand in for Hanuš, allowing the cinematographer Jakob Ihre to plan shots properly. Visual effects supervisor Matt Sloan mentioned they also used a 3D-printed face for Adam to focus on during scenes.
For Jakub, Hanuš becomes the perfect sounding board through his struggles. Kalfař described it to Netflix as a touching concept: explaining human emotions to a non-human being. “Even though we differ greatly, deep down we share essential feelings,” he said.
What Becomes of Hanuš by the Film’s End?
Towards the final stages of Spaceman, it becomes evident that Hanuš is dying. A parasite, which once wiped out his home, is now consuming him as he and Jakub approach a place Hanuš refers to as “the Beginning.” Their last shared moment drifts quietly through open space, marking the end of Hanuš’s journey but leaving Jakub transformed.
Renck related this to his own personal experiences. “When facing difficulties, I find that talking to myself internally gives me clarity. I believe everyone has that version of themselves they can consult,” he said.
As Hanuš gently disintegrates into the emptiness of space, Jakub faces the sorrow of losing the companion who helped him rediscover his humanity. Paul Dano reflected on how audiences might react: “I hope people find Hanuš a little frightening at first — after all, he is a big spider — but beneath that, he’s a kind, wise traveller of space and time. I grew fond of him, and I hope viewers will feel the same.”
Spaceman is now available for streaming on Netflix.
