Project Hail Mary (2026) Film Review: An instant modern sci-fi classic
- reeltalkin'
- 23 hours ago
- 5 min read
Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) awakens on an interstellar spacecraft with no memory of how he came to be there.
He soon begins to uncover his designated mission to save the Earth by stopping a parasitic bacteria from draining the sun and an unexpected friendship with the most unlikely of beings may just be the key to securing humanity's future.
Project Hail Mary (2026), based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir is a science-fiction/adventure epic produced and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
The regularly collaborative duo are most well known for producing family animated features like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) and The Lego Movie (2014), as well as the live action comedy 21 Jump Street (2012).
The ultimate crowd pleaser and packed full of infectious charm, this film effortlessly blends old school sci-fi techniques with a modern twist to create a timeless piece which has already firmly cemented itself as a bonified blockbuster classic.
The movie's overall presentation and execution feels like a genuine love letter to science-fiction media of the 1970s and 80s, with plenty of fun references and familiar concepts layered throughout. There is a terrific cocktail of lighthearted, playful comedic elements as well as mature storytelling focusing on adventure and discovery, fear of the unknown and existentialism.
Some of the best aspects of sci-fi films of the past and present are creatively woven in to the fabric of this 2020s picture, inventing something new, yet cosy and recognisable for all spectators to be thoroughly entertained.
There is a real, palpable sense of warm charm and wit to the film reminiscent of classic Spielberg productions such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) or Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), with more recent space ventures like The Martian (2015) and Interstellar (2014) also strongly resonating with this film's overall tone and general look.
The inclusion of Rocky, an extraterrestrial being with spider like legs and no face, but is brimming with a sweet personality and cute mannerisms and quirks, bears a striking similarity to the android companions in Douglas Trumbull's Silent Running (1972). Additionally, the awe-inspiring spectacle of the cosmic beauty to discover is paralleled to great effect in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).
The movie is a triumphantly successful wholesome package for both film nerds and casual cinemagoers to enjoy alike.
It is also ambitious and grand in both scale and runtime, clocking it at two and half hours, suitably serving up an epic tale which never sacrifices thoughtful character writing and a personal intimacy at the very heart of the story. Slow paced and methodical, the film takes its time to establish and organically build its settings and characters, leading to more fulfilling emotional payoffs later.
Aesthetically, the movie is absolutely gorgeous with the special effects practically looking seamless alongside its live action counterparts and the choice to utilise practical puppetry work and real life sets is always a much appreciated, impressive feat when considering today's preference for CGI technology.
Tangibility and texture is well realised in the industrialised interior design of the space vessel Grace finds himself in and viewers become fully immersed in this environment through active direction, as the illusion of zero gravity and the subsequent uncontrollable floating and rotating of Ryland soon becomes a norm of his everyday musings.
There is a playful, comic flair to the film's editing, with fun match cuts channeling the dry, deadpan humour of its tone. Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling continues to be one of our most likeable, charming actors working today and the movie completely rides on his ability to lead the one man band alongside a puppet space creature for well over two hours.
As can already be expected, his distinct charisma and instant relatability as an everyman caught up in crazy events like a going from a simple middle school science teacher to a full blown mission to save the world from literal extinction, is an easy hook to get audiences on board with empathising and rooting for his character.
Similar to Matt Damon in his universally praised role in The Martian before him, Gosling is able to engage viewers with his down to earth quirks and comic foils which endear us to him and his blossoming friendship with a little rock-like alien is what really sells the drama and heart of the story.
This may very well be one of best performances in Gosling's already dazzling career, as the role also physically challenges Ryan, who spends a lot of time being chucked about spaceship sets, dangling on wires and genuinely getting us to believe that there is a real creature performing opposite him.
Of course, props must go towards the incredible effects team behind bringing Rocky to life, as well as the wonderful vocal talent of James Ortiz, who brings such energy and warmth to the digitalised 'voice' of Rocky, which Grace is able to create through a simulation on his laptop.
Sandra Hüller of Anatomy of a Fall (2023) and The Zone of Interest (2023) fame also deserves recognition and praise for her supporting role as government agent, Eva Stratt.
Featuring predominantly in flashbacks which gradually fill in the blanks for Grace's current predicament, this side character is not given much development, however Sandra's natural talent and captivating screen presence is able to convey so many emotions and personality regardless of limited dialogue or screentime.
Many have already spoken of a particular sequence where her character sings a karaoke cover of Harry Styles' 'Sign of the Times' as the best scene in the movie and it certainly lives up to the quality bestowed on it by other critics.
The pure, unadultered emotion and humanity of this scene is genuinely very moving and perfectly captures the film's heavier, more mature subtext as the world is coming to an end and the significance of living in the moment and enjoying what we can whilst its still there is a truly bittersweet sentiment which will be sure to resonate with anybody watching.
Despite exhibiting spectacular visuals and a grandiose, rousing ethereal score by Daniel Pemberton, the film never loses sight of the real human emotion which connects viewers with its themes and characters.
The relationship between Grace and Rocky is, without exaggeration, one of the best male friendships ever imagined on the big screen, as the two manage to overcome their language barriers and work together to save both of their worlds from potential disaster.
In a our current turbulent socio-political climate, with ongoing wars and social unrest looming across the world, a movie like this is such a breath of fresh air and is very much needed to remind people that good can be found in humanity.
The idea of two completely different species with their own unique backgrounds are somehow able to come together and unite for a common cause feels increasingly relevant and inspiring when reflecting on today's troubling times.
Project Hail Mary can get a little over sentimental and indulgent at times, caught up in its own whimsy and wonder, yet the delightful charm of its creative blend of vintage and polished sci-fi and a leading man continuing to strike gold with his excellent collaborations is a stellar recipe for pure movie magic.
Exhilarating, tense, gripping, heart warming and heart breaking - this film is the ultimate cinematic experience which will touch even the coldest hearts in the depths of space.
Check out the trailer for Project Hail Mary (2026) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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