Project Hail Mary Review
By Noela Abeshi | April 17, 2026 | Opinions
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (SCPDA) — The on-screen adaptation of Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary” directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller hit cinemas on March 20, 2026. Since then, the film has become a major box office success, received positive reviews from critics, and exceeded expectations of movie goers all around the world.
The film begins with the main protagonist, Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling waking up in space with no memory of how he arrived there. As he reacquaints with his surroundings, he understands he is the only living being on the ship as the other two crew members had died. In a series of flashbacks, we understand that the sun is being eaten by mysterious micro-organisms referred to as astrophage.
During these flashbacks, we learn Grace’s background as a former biologist turned middle school science teacher and how he was recruited in Project Hail Mary by Eva Stratt portrayed by German actress Sandra Hüller. As the film goes on, these memories reveal how in a cruel twist of fate the only qualified scientist able to journey to space is Grace who tries to argue his way out of it. Unlike most heroes, Grace was forced to complete his mission with his protests arguing that he is not brave and courageous enough to give away his life for humanity’s salvation.
However, after he was forced to take part in the mission, Grace meets an unlikely ally, an extraterrestrial being whom he named Rocky. Rocky in itself is a cinematic feat being both a result of CGI and puppeteering by James Ortiz. As they both attempt to save their worlds, turbulent interactions and extreme action sequences ultimately leads to them developing a close bond,
In the third act of the film, Grace turns around from his chance to return home to save Rocky from the radiation released from the chemically altered organisms called taumoeba who kill the organisms killing the sun. The audience then sees Grace saving Rocky and the taumoeba being sent to a near frozen earth, delivering the very thing that saves humanity. In the very final scene of the film, Grace is seen alive and well on Rocky’s home planet called Erid finally finding his purpose and peace.
Despite the numerous twists and heartbreaking dialogues, the overall message of “Project Hail Mary” is the power of hope. A failed scientist and originally lackluster teacher is the begrudging hero of the film, which ultimately creates a profoundly human protagonist, giving the film a deep sense of morality despite its feel-good nature. The ending could have easily been written off with a sacrifice, yet the lack of a melancholic ending leaves viewers leaving cinemas with a sense of aspiration.
Gosling’s comedic and heart-felt performance is the highlight of this film, leaving the audience wanting to laugh, cry, and experience the journey right next to him. His portrayal of Grace as a reluctant hero who battles with emotions such as guilt, shame, and fear creates a protagonist anyone can relate to. The stunning visuals and noteworthy soundtrack composed by Daniel Pemberton add to the grandeur of the story, but it is ultimately grounded by Gosling’s raw interpretation.
Expectations for the film were already high; the casting of Ryan Gosling, the faithful adaptation, and high production budget guaranteed a blockbuster however after viewing “Project Hail Mary,” those expectations were exceeded. It is a film that inspires hope and the spirit of redemption in a time where the greatest films are celebrated for their cynical nature. Ultimately, after the film when the credits roll and the theater lights up, movie goers are left in wonder about humanity’s greatest strength, the power of hope.