Project Hail Mary is directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, and more. The film is based on the novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian.
The story follows Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As fragments of his memory begin returning, he realizes that he is humanity’s last hope in a desperate mission to stop a mysterious cosmic threat that is slowly dimming the sun. Light years from Earth and completely alone, Grace must rely on his scientific knowledge, ingenuity, and an unexpected ally to solve a problem that could determine the fate of humanity.
I had a great time with Project Hail Mary. Right now, I think this might be my favorite film of 2026 so far. It delivers everything you want from a story like this. It is satisfying, emotional, exciting, fun, and funny. It pulls at the heartstrings while still embracing the scale and spectacle that comes with a big science fiction film. At the same time, it knows when to be quiet and personal.
This is a very quiet film in a lot of ways. There are several moments where the sound design drops out and everything slows down. It creates an experience where you feel fully immersed in what is happening. It balances those quiet, intimate moments with large scale visuals and sequences that really take advantage of the theatrical experience.
I got to see this in IMAX, and the film absolutely makes the most of that format. The visuals are vibrant and colorful, especially in the space sequences. The technical aspects across the board are impressive. The set design, costume work, zero gravity effects, CGI, and practical effects all come together to create something that looks and sounds incredible.
At the center of it all is Ryan Gosling, who delivers a very charming and engaging performance. It is a performance that feels familiar in the best way. He brings a lot of personality to the role and does a great job carrying the film. There is a lot on his shoulders here, with much of the dialogue being either internal, recorded, or shared with a character that is not physically there. He keeps it engaging throughout.
The narrative structure also works really well. The film throws you right into the situation, with Grace already in space, and slowly feeds you information through flashbacks as his memory returns. You learn about what led him there, both the good and the bad, while the present day mission continues to unfold.
One of the standout elements of the film is Rocky, a rock-like alien creature that Grace encounters. The two build a bond, learn how to communicate, and work together to try to save their respective planets. That relationship becomes the emotional core of the film. It is compelling, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. The film manages to make a character with no traditional facial expressions feel incredibly expressive and lovable, which is not easy to pull off.
The film uses its runtime to develop both the larger mission and the personal connection at the center of the story. While there are a few moments that feel slightly stretched or repetitive, the majority of the film is focused on meaningful progression. By the time it reaches its conclusion, it feels earned and satisfying.
I also really enjoyed Sandra Hüller in her supporting role. She brings a strong presence to the film and plays an important part in the overall story. Still, this is very much Ryan Gosling’s film, and he handles that responsibility well.
What kept me most invested was the balance between the large scale stakes and the personal story. On one hand, you have a mission to save humanity. On the other, you have a relationship between two completely different beings learning to trust and rely on each other. That combination makes the film both exciting and emotionally engaging.
If I had any issues, it would be that the film feels a little long at times. There are moments where certain beats could have been tightened up. That said, those are minor issues in the grand scheme of things, especially considering how strong the overall experience is.
Project Hail Mary is a film that really takes advantage of what the medium can offer. It looks great, sounds great, and tells a story that is both entertaining and heartfelt. It is the kind of movie that leaves you feeling like you had a good time and experienced a full range of emotions.
This is absolutely a film worth seeing in theaters.
Rating: 9/10