Project Hail Mary review: Ryan Gosling charms in science fiction with a reassuring soul

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Ryan Gosling last played an astronaut in the 2018 film First Man, where he portrayed Neil Armstrong’s journey to the moon, returning in time to find his milk still fresh.

Project Hail Mary takes viewers on a much more extensive and perilous journey into space. It follows the story of Dr. Ryland Grace, a humble science teacher played by Ryan Gosling, who is on a fictional mission with far greater consequences than those faced by the astronauts of NASA’s historical missions.

When Ryland wakes up on the spaceship, he has no idea how long he’s been asleep. He’s suffering from amnesia, and all he knows is that he’s incredibly far from home—’several light years from my apartment,’ as he puts it—and everyone else on the crew is dead.

Okay, so the movie starts with our main guy totally lost and struggling to remember anything. It’s a clever way to reveal the story bit by bit through fragmented flashbacks. We quickly learn the stakes are HUGE – the sun is literally being eaten away by these space bacteria, and Earth is facing total annihilation. It turns out the only hope for survival might be this one distant star that seems to be resisting the infection. It’s a classic ‘save the world’ setup, but the amnesia angle keeps things interesting, at least initially.

The movie quickly explains the necessary science to set the stage, but it doesn’t depend on complicated technology. Instead, ‘Project Hail Mary’ focuses on a heartwarming and relatable story, presenting Ryland’s challenges as engaging puzzles, much like those found in a middle school science class.

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Our main character soon realizes he’s not alone on this dangerous planet. He encounters a huge, spider-like creature made of what looks like jagged rocks. He nicknames the creature Rocky.

At first, the language difference might seem like a hurdle, but viewers quickly realize they’re watching a heartwarming story about friendship. It’s a touching bond between two unlikely companions, possibly the most feel-good cross-species friendship seen in movies since Elliott and E.T.

The comparison makes sense – the movie is full of the heartwarming wonder typical of Spielberg’s work, unlike colder, more complex films like Armageddon or Interstellar. Ryan Gosling carries it with natural charisma, easily shifting between appearing sweetly vulnerable and a strong, capable hero.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their animated hits like The Lego Movie and the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, bring their clever and imaginative style to their second live-action film. They’re also benefiting from a strong and engaging story to work with.

Drew Goddard previously adapted Andy Weir’s The Martian to great success in 2015. His new film shares a similar spirit, with Ryan Gosling’s character, Ryland, possessing the same dry wit and ability to find humor even when facing impossible challenges, much like Matt Damon’s character in The Martian.

Sandra Huller plays a practical and determined project leader who initially convinces Ryland to join the mission, leaving behind his comfortable life. She uses dry wit to guide him, making sure he understands just how challenging the task will be.

At over two and a half hours long, the film is a bit lengthy, but it remains a compelling story. It occasionally slows down, but these moments are brief, and Ryan Gosling’s captivating performance always brings things back on track, whether he’s acting solo or sharing the screen with his fantastic co-star.

This movie isn’t groundbreaking, and you’ll likely recognize elements from other films. However, it’s a loving tribute to the fun and excitement we’ve gotten from classic science fiction and action movies over the years.

I absolutely love this sci-fi story! It’s got that classic space adventure feel, but it’s surprisingly heartwarming. Even when things get a little dark or the universe feels huge and intimidating, there’s always a sense of hope and friendship that makes it feel safe and comforting. It’s like exploring the unknown with a best friend by your side.

Authors

Terry Staunton

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2026-03-17 15:10