Project Hail Mary: A Sci-Fi Spectacle

posted by

Nick L’Barrow

March 13, 2026

Project Hail Mary – Movie Review

With the collaboration between screenwriter Drew Goddard and author Andy Weir already having garnered both critical and box-office success over a decade ago with the Matt Damon led and Ridley Scott directed sci-fi adventure The Martian, it makes complete sense that they would reunite to tackle perhaps an even more ambitious project on paper, and arguably Weir’s most beloved book to date, Project Hail Mary.

Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) awakens on a spaceship, millions of lightyears away from Earth, with no recollection of why he is there. His discoveries on the ship, which include two deceased astronauts, a load of vodka, and rooms of scientific testing equipment, begin to help him remember that he is in fact a school science teacher who is on a mission to save Earth’s sun from being eaten by an unknown parasite called Astrophage.

As Grace’s memories flow back, and his ability to work on a solution to Earth’s deadly problem becomes easier, he then encounters an entirely unexpected and shocking discovery that will completely alter the course of the universe as we know it. And perhaps lead to a chance that Grace will not have to fight this battle for the world alone.

It’s been 12 years since their last directorial effort, but Phil Lord and Christopher Miller haven’t been hiding in obscurity, rather they have been flexing their against-the-grain creativity to the animated Spider-Verse series and many other projects. But, their return to the directors chair with Project Hail Mary feels just right, as the joyously adventurous and epic scale of adventure that is this story requires to artists who aren’t afraid to go big. Perhaps even throw some cinematic hail Mary’s in the process.

The story is predominantly set on the Hail Mary – the interstellar spaceship that Grace occupies, heading towards a planet that may hold the key to Earth’s survival. Built as a completely practical set for Gosling to no-gravity float around in, the way Lord and Miller, along with IMAX aficionado cinematographer Greig Fraser, shoot this film is just as visually engaging and dynamic as their previous live action works, but also with the frenetic energy of the animated projects they have created. Whether it’s scientific based action within the ship, or the pulse-pounding missions that take place outside the Hail Mary, the film is visually jaw-dropping.

In a smart story-telling device, all of the scenes in space are shot on IMAX film, expanding the aspect ratio of the screen to enhance that epic feeling of being in space. Then, all of the flashbacks that take place on Earth are shot in traditional widescreen to feel more grounded. There are moments where these scenes are stitched together by going back and forth in the different locations and aspect ratios, but the action within the scene is mirrored, and it’s just a wonderfully nuanced creative decision that is just one of many highlights of the film’s technical aspects.

Screenwriter Drew Goddard, similar to his work on The Martian, has done a fantastic job of capturing both the comedically whimsical tone of the book, and the emotionally driven “fight for humanity” aspects. Project Hail Mary is one of those films where you will be either smiling from ear to ear, slightly tearing up, or absolutely gobsmacked at any and every second, and Goddard script, plus Lord and Miller’s direction, keep up that energy for the audience to be invested in for the film’s entire 155 minute runtime. Goddard also manages to take Weir’s ability to make dense science both entertaining and accessible, and condense it into Grace’s dialogue in a way that doesn’t talk down to the audience, but feels legitimate enough as science to add genuine stakes to the story.

Of course, like many book-to-film adaptations, not everything is perfectly captured on screen. The story lacks the most in Grace’s connection to his counterparts on Earth during the flashbacks. These scenes, which feature great performances from Sandra Hueller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung and Milana Vayntrub, feel like they are skimmed over a little too quickly and don’t give enough depth to really emotionally invest in, despite the obvious emotional impact that these people had on Grace, and how that affects him throughout the film.

But, it’s Gosling’s performance that convinces you these people had an impact on him, as he uses his natural comedic charm and genuine dramatic chops to bring Ryland Grace to life. He is believable as a teacher who cares for his kids, a scientist who could save humanity, and a man who is terrified that he is alone in space. Until… he’s not alone. Without giving too much away (despite the trailers for the film heavily involving this character), the alien creature, Rocky, who emerges about one-third of the way into the story will easily become one of the most beloved movie side-kicks of all time. The inventive and entertaining way that Grace and Rocky’s relationship evolves over the film is purely heartwarming stuff, and fuels so much of the emotional drama of the story. Plus, the mix of puppetry and CGI for the character is another aspect of the film’s visual expertise.

Project Hail Mary is the first true blockbuster film of 2026, and it arrives with a lot of humour, a lot of heart, and a whole lot of sci-fi spectacle. It’s a visually audacious and stunning experience that requires to be seen at the cinema.