Spaceman Ending Explained: Making Sense of Hanus the Spider and the Chopra Cloud
An exploration of the ending of the film Spaceman and the significance of the characters Hanus the Spider and the Chopra Cloud.
The Mystery of Hanus
Jakub Procházka, the first astronaut in the Czech Space Program, is on a solo mission to study the Chopra Cloud, a mysterious violet phenomenon in deep space. Throughout the film, Hanus the Spider serves as an exposition machine, providing explanations for what is happening. Director Johan Renck emphasizes that Hanus is one-hundred-percent real, despite some surreal moments in the movie.
Hanuš is shown to have a connection with Jakub, with scenes like a dream sequence where the spider crawls under Jakub's skin and explodes out of his mouth. This can be interpreted as either artistic license or Hanus's way of probing Jakub's mind. Regardless, Hanus's existence is crucial to the film's meaning.
The Chopra Cloud as a Metaphor
The Chopra Cloud, as a scientific phenomenon, contains all of reality. However, its significance lies more in its symbolic representation. It serves as a metaphor for Jakub's self-reflection and emotional growth.
By immersing himself in the Chopra Cloud, Jakub gains clarity and is able to confront and move past his childhood trauma. Hanus, acting as a therapist, guides Jakub through this process. While Jakub receives practical advice for his return home, Hanus eventually dissipates, leaving Jakub with newfound emotional openness.
Memories and Reconciliation
Spaceman frequently intercuts scenes between Jakub and Hanus in space and random memories in a fish-eye lens. These memories are brought forth as Hanus delves into Jakub's mind. Additionally, the film follows Lenka, Jakub's partner, who has left him and is pregnant.
As the story progresses, it becomes evident that the film is centered around Jakub's journey of learning to let someone in. In the conclusion, while Jakub is adrift in space, Lenka on Earth witnesses a Chopra particle floating upward. This moment represents their reunion. The film ends with a mirroring image from the start, where Jakub and Lenka are dressed in matching costumes, symbolizing their connection.
