By Grant Hochmuth
Forget everything you expect from your average space movie. “Project Hail Mary” isn’t just about saving the planet, it’s about saving humanity with nothing but science, determination, and an unlikely friendship.
The film follows Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, who is a middle school science teacher turned earth saving astronaut. Astrophage, an unknown element, is slowly eating away at the sun with no known reason. What is known is that it is cooling down the Earth at an alarming rate. The space virus is also spreading across the galaxy to all but one star.
Grace embarks on a one way ticket trip to the distant star that is immune to the virus. On his way to the distant planet, Grace is subject to a medically induced coma to help ration his supplies and to make the trip more manageable. The coma affects his memory; resulting in him not knowing who he is or why he is there.
At its core the film explores Grace’s rediscovery of himself through moments of self reflection and experimentation. As he slowly comes to his past memories, he must come to terms with his current situation, and how the mission has made him adapt. As well as his interactions with a friendly alien named Rocky, who is also on a mission to save his own planet from the same star-eating virus. The issue? Language. Grace and Rocky need to figure out a way to work together through differing forms of communication to help save their respective planets from the plague that is killing them.
The film is adapted from the novel by Andy Weir, and stays faithful to its source material. Rather than taking major creative departures it preserves the core story, tone and scientific detail that made the book so compelling. This commitment to authenticity has helped foster a strong and enthusiastic fanbase with longtime readers appreciating how closely the film honors the original vision.
The film explores themes of self-identity alongside the classic hero’s journey in a way that feels both serious and grounded, while still allowing room for well timed humor. Ryan Gosling delivers a remarkable performance as Grace, balancing emotional depth with subtle comedic timing, especially in his reactions to Rocky and his playful unpredictable antics.
Brought to life through the work of five different puppeteers, Rocky adds a unique charm to the film, giving Gosling a dynamic on screen partner that feels both imaginative and surprisingly authentic.
If you’ve felt a lack of emotion or grit in recent cinema, “Project Hail Mary” delivers on both fronts. From its sweeping score to its striking cinematography, the film doesn’t just reach for the stars. It gives you a reason to care about what’s waiting across our universe. It’s a rare kind of blockbuster that balances spectacle with sincerity, leaving you thinking long after the credits roll.
Project Hail Mary isn’t just a hero’s story on saving the world, it’s about what it means to be human while trying to save it. I personally would rate this film a four and a half stars out of five and definitely a must watch in theaters. Make sure to go take off to your local theater and check it out.
