Editor’s Note: This review contains mild spoilers.
“Project Hail Mary” is not only a scientific masterpiece, but also a deeply heartwarming story centered on a compelling connection between two travelers passing through the vastness of space.
Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light-years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. The movie flips between his past on earth, and his present struggle to solve the mystery of his mission, leaving the audience just as confused as he is. We discover as soon as he does, that Grace is essentially humanity’s last hope. Back on Earth, a mysterious substance called astrophage is causing the sun to die out and the world is left with the crisis of figuring out what is saving the one lone star from remaining unaffected. However, the befuddled hero meets an unexpected friend meaning he might not have to work alone. Even though the blockbuster has just been released, a critic consensus has emerged: “A visually dazzling space odyssey that is carried along effortlessly by the gravitational pull of Ryan Gosling at his most winning, ‘Project Hail’ Mary is a near-miraculous fusion of smarts and heart” (Rotten Tomatoes).
“Project Hail Mary” was adapted by Drew Goddard from the 2021 novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote “The Martian.” The directors of this film along with Ryan Gosling, who not only produced the adaptation but also stars in the comedic role, create a story that gives hope for humanity facing Earth’s demise. Beyond the incredibly inspiring message of the film, the acting, cinematography, screenplay and score helps this project truly transcend the slump of movies Hollywood has seen in the past couple of years.
Gosling said in an interview that originally, he wanted to put himself into the role of Ryland Grace to explore and exhibit a certain type of humor that the main character naturally allows. (BBC) Gosling developed and delivered an incredibly humorous performance, making the audience laugh as early as the second line of the movie. Gosling later reflects on how he wanted to embed humor into a different environment, stating that: “[Space] can be hard to understand, but it is important to find a way to make it accessible but also feel realistic – funny things happen in dramatic and sad situations.”
Grace is just like us, not an unrelatable brainiac, but a hapless, baffled castaway who, at least at first, is grasping for solutions while sometimes humorously pinwheeling though microgravity like a scrap of wind-tossed refuse. The filmmakers and the actor lean into the comedy of the character’s plight, and while that is sometimes a relief and often funny, it blunts the existential terror. As well as performing a comedic role, Gosling also presents an emotive portrayal of what it means to find connection in a world of feeling alone. Once Grace has made his acquaintance with a benign alien life force that he names Rocky, the plot picks up as the two set out for the planet Adrian together, hoping to find a savior for both their planets. Like Grace, Rocky has a backstory and a ship, a delicate-looking vessel that resembles streaks of golden light with gilt latticework. Rocky is also alone and has a friendly disposition, and soon the two have settled into a cozy, affable odd-couple relationship. Grace and Rocky’s bromance dynamic is odd, considering that they never knew the other’s species existed until they met in outer space. Also, neither can breathe the air on the other’s ship. Grace has to keep his helmet on in Rocky’s, and Rocky has to travel around Grace’s in what can only be described as a hamster ball. But through inspiring determination, they make it work. Though the attitude is usually kept light, there are very high stakes for both parties.Even though much of the film shows Gosling alone on his ship or having a scientific breakthrough back on Earth, one standout member of the cast is Sandra Huller, who deserves a highlight for her emotional range. In flashbacks of Ryan Gosling’s character, she instructs him to figure out what is causing the little black cells to feed off of all other stars except for one lone star. She recruits Gosling to work on “Project Hail Mary” with stubbornness that gradually softens as she gets to know Grace and their bickering leads to a more emotional connection.
Along with the incredible and captivating performance by Gosling and Huller, the cinematography and score really sets this movie apart from other space or sci-fi tales. Coming out of the movie, I could not stop thinking about the intentional direction and shots. Every scene, camera angle, movement and even the color choice serve a clear purpose. Even while watching the movie, you can tell that no moment or shot was left to waste. The moment where Grace and Rocky set up on planet Adrian as “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles plays, left me in tears with a smile.
Daniel Pemberton nails the soundtrack with deliberately chosen tunes that lift up different scenes of moments that tug at the audience’s heartstrings. Pemberton has previously worked with Lord and Miller on the “Spider-verse” movies, known for its amazing song choice. Songs like “Just The Two Of Us” by the Beatles play as Grace sends messages back to Earth. The score transcends just the impact of the plot and characters, and it evicts hope and joy that I have not felt in a movie in years.
Although most reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the film, some fans of the book are left wanting a little more from some aspects. Of course, like many great books, some say that the movie should have included more detail and should have gone deeper in depth. However, it is still true that if more was included into the plot and character development, the audience would complain about the long run time. Although, some add that the book did not do the story justice, I disagree with this notion since the cinematography and portrayal of space and emotions helps the movie soar high above this opinion. In some particular scenes, seeing the bright colors or acting brought the emotional moments in this film to a whole other level.
“Project Hail Mary” is a rare gem amongst sequels, live-action remakes, reboots and other nonoriginal content. It is not attached to a franchise or largely recognizable brand that Hollywood and producers keep pushing out as cash grabs. Even though the movie is not entirely original, being adapted from Andy Weir’s book, it feels refreshingly hopeful in dark times. Phil Lord and Chris Miller set out to make an optimistic, inspiring and funny space epic, and they achieved it on every level. The film delivers a perfect blend of science, fiction, comedy genius and heart. A wonderful ode to friendship, hope and bravery portrayed at a huge scale but with tangible, relatable emotions. The kind of old-school blockbuster that dazzles but also reaches out to the audience’s humanity and fist bumps it. If you are looking for a fun adventure, a heartfelt dramatic story, a deep technical sci-fi experience or just a fun way to spend your weekend, “Project Hail Mary” is for you, and I highly recommend watching it in theaters.
