Hello, everyone! Today, I will be reviewing the new Lord/Miller sci-fi movie based on the Andy Weir novel, Project Hail Mary. Let’s review!
So, Project Hail Mary follows Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling). He’s a science teacher, and he wakes up alone on a spaceship one day, light-years away from Earth. His memory then starts to return, and he uncovers a mission to stop this mysterious substance that is killing the sun and save planet Earth. He knows nothing about space, but he goes up anyway to save his world, discovers a rock alien whose world is also dying, and becomes companions with him, so he’s not doing the mission alone. This was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, and I forgot to add it to my list, but I was hyped for this, and now that I’ve seen it, all I can say is… wow, this is such a wonderful movie.
This feels like a modern sci-fi classic. It is as epic as it is intimate, and that contrast is what makes it special. On one hand, it has epic ideas and scope, delivering a visually stunning and very thrilling story with the theme of cooperation. No matter how high the stakes are, it reminds us that connection, empathy, and care for one another are truly what matter. On the other hand, it’s deeply intimate, and much of this film focuses on the relationship between Grace and Rocky, watching them learn, connect, and bond despite their drastic differences, all while trying to save different worlds.
The emotional core of the film is what elevates it beyond the premise. The science here is very impressive and will impress any sci-fi fan. Sure, the premise isn’t super new, but the way it’s executed feels very fresh. It may be long, but it allows every moment to build toward an earned and deeply rewarding payoff. It flew by for me.
The characters are the true highlight of the movie. Ryan Gosling delivers such an endearing performance, Sandra Hüller does a fantastic job, and James Ortiz voices my favorite character, Rocky. Lord & Miller also do an amazing job with the direction, to the point where it truly feels like their film, blending elements of science, humor, heart, and high-stakes storytelling. This is my favorite movie of the year so far, and I’ll be surprised if it’s not in my top five by the end of the year. Overall, Project Hail Mary is a very moving sci-fi epic that earned its place as a future modern classic.
