Project Hail Mary: Made For Film Lovers

Image by K-putt via Flickr (licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

This film is a true celebration for film lovers, and marks the promising beginning of what could be an unforgettable summer at the cinema. 

When there’s a new particle found in space that seems to be killing the sun, NASA turns to Dr Ryland Grace, a middle school teacher, to help figure out how to save the world. In space, he forgets his purpose, but finds his way regardless. Starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller and James Ortiz, at its core, Project Hail Mary is a story of friendship, loneliness, change and bravery, wrapped in the warmth of comedy and bittersweet moments.

A Narrative That Knows Where It’s Going:

There was real potential here to fall into overdone tropes and become another overrated sci-fi. They could have easily used Dr. Grace's forgotten memory to explore identity (which would have been interesting, but is massively overdone), or used ideas of time to explore overly complex space theories. However, the film doesn’t fall into these narratives. Instead, the story remains simple - save the world (with the help of an unlikely friend along the way), exploring themes of bravery, sacrifice, grief, and friendship in lighthearted ways that still sit with you when you leave the screen. 

The science was relatively simple and easy to follow, without feeling childish. They add some realistic aspects, like the fact that this was not a mission out of determination, but rather forced onto Dr. Grace by the government. And instead of creating a completely depressed, pessimistic environment, we see that people find moments of hope and resilience amidst all the chaos.  

The story itself is also easy to follow with a linear structure that prioritises clarity over complexity. Instead of relying on twists or dense exposition, it lets the emotional and thematic developments carry the momentum, creating a story that feels both focused and engaging. The film’s narrative is remarkably accessible, moving with a steady, linear momentum that keeps the viewer grounded even as the world expands. Its shifts, from mystery to partnership to urgency, are handled with a confidence that makes the journey feel cohesive rather than chaotic. The film balances moments of tension, ease, comedy and emotion that all flow at a nice pace. With the additional layer of flashbacks, the story feels complete and whole without feeling overwhelming. Whilst it doesn’t fully dive into all the science as the book does, it still encapsulates the complexity of the issues at hand.   

The only part of the story that felt unnecessary was Rocky’s near-death. Did he need to nearly die twice? Whilst they were intense, on the edge of your seat moments, it felt a little over the top and didn’t add more than extra intensity to the story. That being said, the high adrenaline and relief when he survived were felt both times, and it is definitely not enough to put this story at anything less than a 10/10.  

The Humanity Behind The Characters:

Considering this is essentially a one-man show, Ryan Gosling did not disappoint. His comedic expression, charisma and mannerisms were all impeccably timed. In places that felt childish, his acting paired well with the writing to bring it back to a more serious tone (without losing that comedic touch). He brought so much character to an overdone role, expressed emotion in an incredibly human way, and brought a sense of relatability to the film that can sometimes be lacking in others.  

Whether this is considered acting or timing by the writers and directors, James Ortiz brought laughter, tears and suspense to everyone in their seats. Rocky’s care and curiosity are perhaps the most endearing aspects of his character - constantly striving to learn about Dr. Grace and Earth, and all the while caring deeply for Dr. Grace’s safety and wellbeing. The scene when the ship starts to crash, and he sacrifices his life for Dr. Grace was so heartbreaking, you couldn’t resist crying. He was also a major source of comedic relief. This film could have been a very mentally and emotionally heavy plot, but both Rocky and Dr. Grace’s characters work together to provide lightheartedness to it instead. From their first meeting to Rocky moving in, to Rocky waking up again - there’s this consistent tone of love and laughter despite everything at stake. 

Whilst her screentime was shorter (limited mostly to flashbacks), Sandra Hüller carried the role of Eva Stratt in a way that made her feel like a much stronger presence. Her demeanour was cold, but her heart felt warm and regretful. Particularly in the karaoke scene, her voice was soft, breaking and bold all in the space of 2 minutes. Her mannerisms, from her tone of voice to the way she walked, were perfectly fit for this serious character. You could see the weight of responsibility hidden in a character who is always composed.  

A Universe Built With Care & Imagination: 

Many contemporary films often rely heavily on dazzling visuals and bursts of colour, overcompensating for weak storytelling, plot holes and shallow character development. In contrast, this film masterfully balances a well-crafted narrative with stunning cinematography.

One of the most striking achievements is how lighting is used to bring Rocky, a puppet character, to life, making him feel tangible and emotionally resonant. This thoughtful use of light deepens the audience’s connection with him in a profoundly authentic way. Scenes such as the astrophage sequence, the ‘fishing’ scene, and Rocky’s sacrifice each employ lighting and colour to evoke distinct moods. The astrophage scene feels surreal and otherworldly, while the fishing scene is charged with intensity. Throughout, lighting, colour palettes, flashes, and camera angles work harmoniously to convey emotion and shape the audience's perception of the story. Including Harry Styles’ ‘Sign of the Times’ is another well-crafted aspect of the film. Its lyrics, tone, and message perfectly echo the bittersweet blend of hope and despair, amplifying the atmosphere that surrounds the film.

Closing Thoughts:

This review may appear overwhelmingly positive, and this is not to say the film is without fault. However, Project Hail Mary overall is a film that has perfectly balanced emotion, comedy and intensity. It covers deep themes in beautiful ways, and conveys an important message to just go for it in life. So, bring snacks, tissues, and a friend because this film is Amaze Amaze Amaze!

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Edited by Lara Walsh, Co-Film & TV Editor