Ryan Gosling stars in “Project Hail Mary.” (Jonathan Olley)
By Jade Enos
What would you do if you woke up alone in space with no memory of who you are and how you got there?
“Project Hail Mary,” directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Ryan Gosling, is a science fiction film that blends high-stakes survival with emotional depth. In a time when it feels like there’s nothing good about the world, “Project Hail Mary” is a reminder that there is still hope for humanity.
The film, based on a novel by the same name written by Andy Weir, follows middle-school science teacher Ryland Grace, who wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he ended up in space. As his memory returns, he realizes he was sent to space to find more information about the mysterious substance that is causing the sun to die out. While he is on this mission, he befriends a blind alien whom he names “Rocky,” and together they try to save the world.
Ryan Gosling delivers an excellent performance as the complex character of Grace, carrying much of the film on his own and making every moment feel engaging. The chemistry between Grace and Rocky is the core of the film, bringing both humor and heart in a way that feels genuine and impactful.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s direction works very well with the complexity of the story at hand, balancing scientific concepts in a way that can be easily understandable, with emotional storytelling. The camera work is clean and effective, capturing character-driven moments in ways that feel impactful.
The film is visually striking, using color to enhance different moods and environments. A particular scene involving extraterrestrial specimen collection stands out as one of the film’s most memorable sequences due to its jarringly beautiful cinematography.
The story on its own is written beautifully. It’s engaging and thoughtfully structured, keeping audiences engaged by revealing information at a pace that doesn’t feel too overwhelming despite the complexity of the plot. The scientific aspects of the film are written to be easily understood, despite how complicated they are. The dynamic between Grace and Rocky is fun to watch. At its core, “Project Hail Mary” is a film that explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the resilience of humanity. Despite its two hour and 36-minute runtime, the pacing feels just right. Nothing is dragged out or overlooked.
The score is phenomenal and plays a huge role in shaping the emotional tone of the film. There’s a moment during the climax where the film goes completely silent for about 10 seconds, and it is incredibly impactful. Overall, the music – or lack thereof – adds an extra layer of emotional depth, enhancing both the tension and the quieter, more heartfelt moments.
The film’s greatest strength is its ability to balance science, humor, and emotion without losing focus or boring the audience. The performances, visuals, and storytelling work together seamlessly. Despite its lengthy runtime, the story is so interesting and engaging that it leaves you wanting more. It’s a film that feels both grand in scale and deeply emotional at the same time.
Rating: Ten thumbs down (IYKYK)
In the end, “Project Hail Mary” doesn’t just tell a story about saving the world, it reminds us why it’s worth saving in the first place.
