So far, “Project Hail Mary” has been the best movie released in 2026! I can confidently say, if you watch this movie, you will definitely have an amazing time.
The trailer was released last year on June 30, and it is currently sitting at 30 million views. The film was worth the long wait!
The movie follows Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, a middle school science teacher who has a Doctorate in Molecular Biology. One day, he wakes up from a coma in space and has no knowledge of how or why he’s there. As his memory slowly returns, he realizes he was sent to discover why the sun and all of the stars except for one are dying. Along the journey, Grace encounters another life form, and they work together to try and save their planets.
The film was absolutely beautiful. The cinematography pulls you right into their world. It is currently still in theatres, so I would recommend seeing it as soon as possible in order to best experience the world! The movie has been so successful that, according to Variety, AV Club, and multiple other sources, its theatrical run has been extended; however, make sure to check the shows at your desired theater for the most accurate information.
Space is gorgeous to look at, whether it's because of all the stars, planets, or colors that are impossible to see anywhere else. There are so many bright and enchanting scenes that make it feel as though the world around you has stopped, and you cannot look away from the screen. The film did a wonderful job of bringing space to life and allowing viewers to see the wonders that lie outside our atmosphere.
The directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller do such a spectacular job at using the setting to elevate their movie. When there is conflict in the space scenes, they cut from the action to the complete silence of space. You and everyone else in the theater have no option but to bask in the quiet and stillness as we are left shocked at the events that just occurred. I thought this was such a great touch because it enhances the tension and emotion these scenes call for. In this silence, you are forced to reflect on the scene and really let it sink in.
The performances were also incredible. Ryan Gosling is such a versatile actor. The movie is incredibly funny, and his delivery and comedic timing is perfect. He makes the character feel fun and raw. Gosling adds the perfect amount of awkwardness and emotion to Grace that makes him a likeable protagonist you root for.
Eva Stratt is played by Sandra Hüller, and she is the leader of the Hail Mary Project, which entails gathering scientists, astronomers, and engineers, among others, to stop the sun from dying. Hüller does a wonderful job of adding depth to the character. Stratt is a serious character, as she is in charge of this ginormous mission, and there is no room for her to mess up, yet Hüller brings out a soft side to her. The audience can tell that Stratt really does care about the people she is recruiting despite her primary focus being on saving the planet. Tough times like this call for tough decisions, and Hüller does not stray from showing that strength in her character.
Speaking of the characters, the movie does an excellent job in fleshing them out. In trying to save the Earth and everything on it, the humanity of the characters peaks through. The trailer states that the astronauts who go into space will die there, and they are looking towards Grace to be one of the astronauts. He is very opposed to the proposal because he does not want to die. He has fears, and calling him flawed would be entirely incorrect. He is human, and he is scared.
On the contrary, Stratt is strong and confident in her decisions. She is the one acting with her head and not her heart. The turning point in the movie may seem like she is a bad person, but she is only doing what is necessary. In the grand scheme of things, is it best for a few people to sacrifice their lives or to let the entire population of the Earth die?
This film is about humanity and the connection between lifeforms as much as it is about space. Rocky and Grace bond over their loneliness, and they feel as though they need each other to complete their missions, not just for the information the other provides but also for company. Humans, and apparently aliens, crave the companionship of another person, and I think it was beautiful and heartbreaking to see this development between the two. They were two scared beings looking for someone else to share the burden they both carry.
This movie was based on the novel by the same title, “Project Hail Mary.” While I have not read Andy Weir’s book, looking at public perception, I can only presume the film did the book justice. The movie has received amazing reviews, with critics giving it a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is saying a lot, and the audience giving it a 96%. IMDb gave it a lower but still impressive rating of 8.4 out of 10 stars.
If you do go to watch the movie, the film's production company Amazon MGM Studios created an interactive stimulation that you can go play as if you were Grace. I recommend visiting the site after you have watched the movie so you have the best chance of appreciating all the inside jokes.
This movie has become one of my favorite movies ever, and I am quite selective when it comes to films. They typically have to be very funny or very thought-provoking, and this film is both. I truly cannot recommend this film enough, so go watch it if you can!
