Adapted from the novel by Andy Weir (The Martian), Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) direct Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi tale that should delight most audiences who want a unique, satisfying experience.
In the not too distant future, Earth’s sun and other stars are dying, and a desperate, impossible space mission is launched with a teacher/scientist, Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), entrusted to save the world by traveling light years to a specific star to find a solution. When he awakens alone from hibernation, he encounters a strange spaceship with a crusty alien lifeform he dubs Rocky, who may be searching for the same answers. Can the two of them find a way to communicate and work together to save the universe?
Most closely in its setup to Interstellar, this film also shares similarities with The Martian, Arrival, E.T., and even Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Alternating with flashbacks on how the mission began, it’s a touching story about bonding and sacrifice filled with humorous and poignant moments that focus on Grace and his relationship with Rocky. Gosling puts on a heartfelt, one-man show (with good support from Sandra Hüller) as the reluctant astronaut plagued with self-doubt who finds within himself something extraordinary and an unlikely companion.
Best
seen on the biggest screen (IMAX), the
film’s audio-visual achievements are impressive especially in the
imaginative set designs, its practical, puppetry effects, and an ethereal
soundtrack. It’s a film with lofty aspirations that’s a tad long with some
confusing technical jargon, but for those willing to come for the ride, they
will be rewarded with a fascinating, thoughtful
adventure filled with pathos and hope. It is certainly one of the best
films of 2026.
****1/2
of ***** stars (a must for Gosling fans)
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