Project Hail Mary Review: Ryan Gosling’s Stellar Sci-Fi Epic, Like His New Alien Buddy, Absolutely Rocks

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Christopher Miller and Phil Lord have brought Andy Weir’s popular sci-fi novel, Project Hail Mary, to life on the big screen. Starring Ryan Gosling, the film is a heartwarming and adventurous celebration of space exploration and the wonders of the universe – a bit like a modern take on the spirit of The X-Files.

Andy Weir’s books, like The Martian and Project Hail Mary, feel naturally suited for film adaptations. Both stories feature resourceful characters stranded in space who rely on their intelligence to overcome difficult challenges. While they are already successful novels, this consistent focus on characters creatively solving problems in unique situations makes them ideal for screenplays – offering an active hero, opportunities for clear explanations, and plenty of thrilling moments.

In the movie The Martian, Matt Damon plays Dr. Mark Watney, an astronaut who gets stuck on Mars and has to find a way to survive until help arrives. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film was a major success, earning over $600 million and receiving seven Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.

Project Hail Mary is a daring, heartwarming, and genuinely funny movie. With a brilliant performance by Ryan Gosling, it’s a fantastic experience and one of the best science fiction films to come out in a long time.

A Tremendous Ryan Gosling Anchors a Moving, Funny Sci-Fi Epic

In the near future, Earth faces a crisis: the sun is inexplicably losing its brightness. A strange line of infrared radiation between the sun and Venus, known as the Petrova line, hints at the problem. If scientists can’t figure out how to stop the dimming, Earth is headed for a new ice age within three decades. The story follows Dr. Ryland Grace, a reluctant but gifted scientist who is pushed into a crucial mission. He must travel to the star Tau Ceti, which seems unaffected by the solar crisis, in a desperate attempt to save humanity.

Ryan Gosling is the heart of the film, playing an astronaut who may be humanity’s final hope. He portrays a kind but hesitant doctor, making it easy to root for him as he’s pushed beyond his limits. Gosling’s natural charisma adds humor to the story, and he shares a fantastic on-screen chemistry with Sandra Hüller, who plays the somewhat grumpy project leader, Eva.

Honestly, everyone in the cast was fantastic and really commanded the screen. I especially loved Ken Leung – it was great to see him again after Industry – and Milana Vayntrub was a total standout. But the real star, for me, is Rocky. I don’t want to give too much away about who or what Rocky is, but their scenes with Gosling are just incredible – so sweet and genuinely moving, but also really thought-provoking.

Lord & Miller Cement a Visionary New Space Classic

Without giving away too much about the character Rocky, the film cleverly blends visual effects and practical puppetry to bring him to life. This attention to detail really pays off, making Rocky an unexpectedly endearing alien that audiences will easily connect with. Ryan Gosling’s scenes with Rocky create a story that feels similar to films like The Martian, Arrival, and Interstellar, but with a uniquely charming and clever spirit. It often feels like a live-action Pixar movie – the best one you could imagine – while still managing to feel completely new and original.

While Project Hail Mary occasionally feels a bit slow or overly long, it’s generally a very enjoyable and emotionally resonant story. Fans of hard science fiction will appreciate the clever problem-solving and impressive imagery. Though the detailed explanations of how problems are solved sometimes slow down the plot, and flashbacks can occasionally disrupt the story’s flow, the book is ultimately a captivating experience.

It’s clear that a lot came together perfectly to make Project Hail Mary a success. Drew Goddard’s script skillfully combines heartfelt moments, comedy, and realistic science. The film’s visuals, captured by cinematographer Greig Fraser, beautifully portray the awe-inspiring and perilous nature of space. Ryan Gosling delivers a standout performance – adding to his impressive body of work seen in films like La La Land and Barbie – and directors Lord and Miller have created one of the most captivating sci-fi experiences of the last ten years.

Final Rating: 9/10

Project Hail Mary hits theaters on Friday, March 20, 2026.

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2026-03-10 18:08