“Project Hail Mary,” directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, was released on March 20, 2026, and is a stunning science fiction film with a gripping, emotional plot. The film is an adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel of the same title and not only brings the book to life, but also remains faithful to the original story.
The story follows Ryland Grace — portrayed by Ryan Gosling — a sixth-grade science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship. He must find a way to achieve his mission of saving Earth’s Sun from an extinction-level threat.
An aspect of the film that I found quite interesting was the alternation between the main storyline in space and flashbacks of Ryland’s past. The story begins right as Ryland wakes up with no memory of his past, leaving both him and the viewers unaware of his circumstances. The recurring flashbacks help viewers understand the events that led up to Ryland’s mission.
A pivotal moment in the movie is Ryland’s meeting with an alien named Rocky, voiced by James Ortiz, who faces a similar situation as Ryland. The two form a close connection, finding ways to help each other. The chemistry between Ryland and his alien companion is incredibly entertaining. The dynamic also allows for many comedic moments, making the story both emotionally gripping and more tonally balanced.
“Project Hail Mary” creates a roller coaster of emotions, ranging from stress-inducing, chaotic moments to quiet, emotional scenes. The plot points and twists throughout the film make it more emotionally impactful.
An impressive feat by the “Project Hail Mary” production team was avoiding any green or blue screens during shooting; for example, a full-sized, physical rotating ship was constructed, making different sets feel more realistic and interactive for the viewer. This use of practical effects also enhanced the film’s impressive shots, creating a greater sense of wonder in visually spectacular scenes.
As a whole, “Project Hail Mary” succeeds as both an ambitious adaptation of a bestselling science fiction novel and as a deeply human story that highlights resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. While some have criticized its long runtime, the story’s quick pacing is maintained by constant tension and exciting plot points. Overall, the film has become one of my new personal favorites, and I would highly recommend it to fans of science fiction.
