"Project Hail Mary" REVIEW

Published on 3/16/2026 

Written by: Braylon Mitchell 

Directed by: Phill Lord and Christopher Miller 

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, etc. 

Plot: Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.

REVIEW 

I unfortunately haven't read it, but well before this film released I was aware of how acclaimed and beloved Andy Weir's novel was. I mean, MGM acquired the novel's rights in March 2020 a year before the book even released- getting Drew Goddard to write the script (he had previously wrote the last Andy Weir film adaptation "The Martian" which was a big, Oscar nominated hit) and popular comedic filmmaking duo Lord & Miller to direct. With it's source material, directors, cast, and crew this film had a lot going for it and it certainly delivered. During his Saturday Night Live monologue last week, Ryan Gosling described this film as a mix between "Interstellar" and "E.T: The Extra Terrestrial" and now that I've seen the film I wholeheartedly agree that's exactly how I'd pitch it as well. This is a story that combines an existential, high pressure "save the universe" issue that requires a lot of problem solving scientific methods/discussion and a touching story about two lone souls building an interspecies friendship- all of which revolves around the similar theme of hopefulness. Yes, that sounds sappy and the film certainly doesn't always come across as subtle in conveying that message but when a film is wearing its heart on its sleeve so prevalently and successfully makes us care about the characters they're wanting us to care about- I'm kind of all for it. Especially with its goofy sense of humor, it's clear that Lord & Miller understand the exact film they're making- blending the heart and humor of the film in a strong willed way that they're betting people will connect with, and it already seems like they succeeded at that goal very well. Everyone in my theater seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, laughing throughout when supposed to and sniffling at the emotional beats. In other words, this is a certified crowdpleaser. The film is incredibly well crafted as well with it's absolutely stunning visuals, impressive effects, narratively interweaving editing, and immersive sound design/mixing. All in all, this film is extremely effective. I'd go as far as to say that it has the potential to be a modern sci-fi classic in the making. 

THREE BEST ELEMENTS

• The visual & special effects. Visually breathtaking outer space effects that brings about nonstop beautiful imagery (DOP Greig Fraser sure knows how to capture top-tier visual effects) and make this film a spectacle to behold- especially on the big screen, these are visual effects that need to be seen on the biggest screen you can find. I watched this film in 70mm IMAX, which I know not everyone has access to but I have to attest looked incredible. Also, I'd argue that the most impressive aspect of this film's effects was the way practical puppetry and CGI were blended to create the character Rocky. I realize it's very early on in the year, but I already feel strongly that this film would be deserving of not just being nominated but winning the Best Visual Effects Oscar next year. 

• Daniel Pemberton's score. I'm a big fan of Pemberton's work over the past couple years (especially his past collaborations with Lord & Miller on "Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse" and "Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse) and his score for this film exceeded my expectations. Matching the scale of outer space, this score is very grandeur. Intensity-wise and very much emotionally-wise, not to mention the varied styles he dips into especially on the neoclassical side. Fantastic work. 

• Ryan Gosling's performance. This is a perfect role for him, a character practically designed for the skill set that Gosling is known for having as an actor- it's a role that requires walking a fine line between a lot of snappy/sarcastic humor and existential emotion, which Gosling plays so well. One moment he's giving us hilarious comedic delivery, the next he's making you teary eyed. It's one of his most heartfelt performances for sure, and I could even see some people arguing that he gives the best performance of his career. 

WORST ELEMENT 

• Its runtime felt a little overlong, especially in the final thirty minutes or so where every other scene felt like it could've been the ending/a satisfying resolution. The note that it ends on is very sentimental, which I enjoyed well enough but may not work for some. 

RATING

8/10

It's the first must see film of 2026 so watch it, buddy!