Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara
Music: Daniel Pemberton
Cinematography: Greig Fraser
Producers: Amy Pascal, Ryan Gosling, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Aditya Sood, Rachel O’Connor, Andy Weir
Running Time: 156 minutes
Screenplay: Drew Goddard
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
We begin with Ryland Grace (Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling), who awakens alone aboard a spaceship with no idea how he got there, guided only by fragmented memories. It turns out he has been in a coma during a long journey intended to save life on Earth. As his memories slowly return, we discover that a mysterious substance called astrophage has entered Earth’s solar system and appears to be absorbing energy from the Sun. Grace, a high school science teacher, was reluctantly recruited for a global initiative known as Project Hail Mary, aimed at saving the planet. Although his memories help him piece together the mission, his situation remains critical. The rest of the crew has died during the journey to this distant star system, leaving Grace alone and unsure of how to even begin solving the problem. The story’s slight twist is that Grace does not remain alone for long.
If something defines Andy Weir’s work, it is how he places his protagonists in extreme situations, often in uncharted territory. Add to that a sense of adventure, scientific detail, and a touch of humor so that the experience—whether as readers or viewers—never feels like a didactic exercise. This was already clear in The Martian (2015).
Now, Oscar winners Chris Miller and Phil Lord take on the task of adapting Weir’s novel, with a screenplay by Oscar nominee Drew Goddard. The result is exciting, heartfelt, and deeply entertaining. Much of this comes from the strong chemistry developed with Gosling’s character, who interacts with a rocky figure named Rocky. The relationship between Grace and Rocky forms the emotional core of the film. This extraordinarily capable, rock-like visitor from another world shares Grace’s mission: to save his own planet from the astrophage. Their interactions create one of the most endearing human-alien relationships in recent years. At first, they cannot communicate verbally, as Rocky speaks through tones and vibrations, but gradually they learn to understand each other through movement and experimentation, ultimately complementing one another. Both Grace and Rocky travel across galaxies with little certainty of success. Each loses their crew along the way, yet remains determined to fight for the survival of their people—and that is what binds them most.
Ryan Gosling’s presence immediately fills the screen—forget his over-the-top Ken in Barbie (2023). At first glance, and given the tone, this may seem like a role that comes easily to him, but beneath the surface, his Grace also suffers, blending humor and drama perfectly. Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller delivers as Eva Stratt, the determined leader who recruits him into Project Hail Mary.
The directors, together with their screenwriter, strike the right balance between action, adventure, and emotional beats, ensuring the audience becomes invested in both Rocky and Grace. The cinematography effectively contrasts life on Earth with the awe-inspiring environments Grace encounters during his journey. The camera frequently rotates and glides through space, reinforcing the sensation of weightlessness. It also plays with lighting and aspect ratio to emphasize the vastness of space and the overwhelming presence of the astrophage.
Comparisons to The Martian (2015) might slightly affect the experience, but the film ultimately stands as an ode to science fiction, comedy, and adventure—filled with suspense. In that sense, it succeeds on every level. Don’t hesitate to go see it!
RATING FOR "PROJECT HAIL MARY" (2026): MAJESTIC
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