In a year where cinematic titans like Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and Denis Villeneuve are set to release their biggest blockbusters, it’s a welcome change to see Phil Lord and Christopher Miller return to direct a new film. As a filmmaking duo, they’ve consistently surpassed expectations with nearly every project they take on, from 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street to producing the Spider-Verse franchise. In fact, it’s been 12 years since they were behind the camera for anything live-action, excluding Solo. Their involvement is one of the main reasons Project Hail Mary quickly became one of my most anticipated films of the year. Everything about it signaled this ambitious space adventure would capture my interest, even though I haven’t had time to read Andy Weir’s 2021 novel. Project Hail Mary is not only the comeback we’ve been waiting to see from Lord and Miller, but it will also be remembered as a fantastic piece of sci-fi that’s hard to ignore.
What’s the Story: When molecular biologist turned middle school teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up inside a space station, he’s alone with two members of his crew dead. If that’s not enough, he has no idea why he’s there or who he is when he’s light-years away from Earth because he’s suffering from amnesia. As he slowly remembers, government agent Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller) recruits Grace for a mission that can save humanity after reading his thesis. These single-celled organisms known as “Astrophange” are causing the sun to die and could lead to Earth’s collapse within 30 years. Stranded in space and using his wits to get back home, Grace comes into contact with an alien spacecraft, where he meets a rock-like alien he names Rocky. Now the two of them become an unlikely pair to save their respective planets.
As a lover of great sci-fi movies, especially those outside established franchises, Project Hail Mary delivered on the promise of an unforgettable theater experience in more ways than I was expecting. Given that it’s another adaptation of Weir’s work, I expected it to be similar to The Martian, which was also written by Drew Goddard and remains Ridley Scott’s best film in the last ten years. However, Lord & Miller exceeded expectations, crafting a grounded space story that unfolds at a deliberate pace. While the narrative alternates between Grace’s present in space and flashbacks on Earth, where the perilous “Project Hail Mary” mission is being planned, it surprisingly works. Even when one part is stronger than the other, it’s compelling to see where the story goes when the decision to undertake the mission is placed upon him. And, despite their comedic backgrounds, they expertly balance humor that had me chuckling with moments of suspense that genuinely surprised me.
This film has officially confirmed why Ryan Gosling is one of my favorite actors. He continues to dominate everything he’s in, and this role required someone like him to carry the film for about 70% of the runtime. Ryland Grace is probably in the top five best performances I’ve seen from him in the last decade. Not only does this role allow him to showcase his comedic and dramatic skills, but it also makes Grace a man of quick, charming wit, willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and be humanity’s chance for salvation. Sandra Hüller was excellent as Eva Stratt as well. I’ve heard her character in the novel was less sympathetic, but I understand the decisions she makes. And her karaoke scene of “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles will forever be memorable.
The most heartwarming aspect of Project Hail Mary was the relationship between Grace and Rocky, voiced and performed by James Ortiz. I didn’t realize there was a non-human character until the third trailer, but there’s something special about an odd couple who support each other and make you feel good. Rocky is never annoying, and he brings much-needed levity, reminding you that they are both lost and away from home. You care about their bond after knowing they’ve both lost their crews and are willing to fight. Their funniest moments have even made me tear up. The fact that Rocky was created through puppetry made him feel even more relatable, even without a face. Give me a human-alien friendship reminiscent of E.T. and Elliott, and I’ll be truly moved.
This was an opportunity for the duo to demonstrate their ability to craft a large-scale space-based blockbuster, capturing the essence of what the best sci-fi films have always done. The stunning visual effects, reminiscent of those in Interstellar and 2001: A Space Odyssey, are likely to inspire a new generation of viewers. While it’s annoying to constantly hear complaints about the current trend of CGI in films, the on-screen work here immerses you in the experience, making you feel like you’re trekking through the stars or alongside Grace outside the Hail Mary. Adding to the film’s brilliance was the revelation that Greig Fraser was the cinematographer; he’s consistently one of the most talented DPs in Hollywood. I was particularly captivated by a scene where Grace captures organisms from the planet Tau Ceti e. It was a breathtaking visual, especially when experienced in 70mm IMAX with Daniel Pemberton’s score.
For a big-budget space-action film, what is appreciated is how it lets you sink into those who don’t believe in themselves to save humanity, inspiring viewers to reflect on resilience. The respect I always give to gifted scientists and/or astronauts who explore space and the possibilities of what’s beyond our solar system means a lot for our future, fostering a sense of hope. At 156 minutes, it’s surprising how well-paced, and I’ve read that elements from the novel had to be cut. It wasn’t until maybe a few spots near the third get that slightly dragged. Though when it was over, it’s that great feeling of wanting to find a free afternoon to check it out again.
Overall, Project Hail Mary is a sci-fi film that can truly touch viewers emotionally, making you feel excited and eager to experience it yourself. The genius minds of Lord & Miller once again prove they can do anything with a story that’s equal parts thrilling, hilarious, and emotionally heartwarming. Match that with another amazing Ryan Gosling performance, and its seamless visual beauty, it’s going to be hard for another movie in a while to top this for sure.
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