Rave Reviews: Project Hail Mary
By Jonah S.
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Movie Title: Project Hail Mary
Studio: Amazon MGM Studios
Runtime: 2h 36m
Age Recommendation: 13+
Synopsis: Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling) wakes up from an induced coma, only to find himself on a spaceship far from earth, his fellow crewmembers dead. With no recollection of who he is or how he got there, Ryland slowly comes to realize that the fate of the earth rests on his shoulders. However, he is not alone. His journey leads to an unexpected encounter with an alien he names Rocky, which quickly blossoms into a close friendship. Can they save the dying stars?
Caution: Mild spoilers for Project Hail Mary
Review: In my humble opinion, last year was not a great year for movies. There were very few films that were well received by critics and by audiences. Personally, 2025 left me walking out of the cinema with little more than the thought, That was okay. For this reason, I have been yearning for a movie that would leave me feeling more than lukewarm, something to remind me of why I love film. When I began to hear a positive buzz for Project Hail Mary, I did not dare get my hopes up. However, after watching it, I can confidently say that it is a phenomenal movie, one that is very heartfelt and competently made.
If I had to describe what this movie is to the average person, it is as if Castaway meets Interstellar meets E.T. It is a tense space adventure that also manages to weave in a lighthearted tone that is neither quippy or try-hard. It is based on a book of the same name by Andy Weir. Though I have not read the book, I can say that the story portrayed in the movie is impeccable. The script does a great job of respecting the intelligence of the audience as it explains the scientific ideas presented, without overwhelming them with information.
When it comes to actors, Ryan Gosling's performance is part of what makes this movie work so well, being very funny, but also emotional when necessary. His ability to somehow have chemistry with a faceless rock puppet is truly remarkable. He is really able to sell the bond that forms between the two. Also, I would love to shout out the lead puppeteer and voice of Rocky, James Ortiz. He brings so much life and character to an inanimate object, completing the relationship that is at the heart of this film.
What I like most about the film is despite the seemingly galactic proportions of the adventure, the movie is actually very intimate and personal. I really connected with these characters and that grounds the entire movie into something we can all relate too. Themes are always important in any movie, because they seek to convey a message, hopefully something that is good and true. What struck me the most in this movie was the themes of sacrificial love. Self-sacrifice is key to the character development of Ryland Grace, and how that plays out in the movie both in the narratives present and its past is really inspiring. In particular, there was one reveal in a flash-back towards the end of the movie that was rather unexpected but contrasted nicely with decisions the protagonist makes while he is in space.
While there is not anything that I disliked in the film, if I had one critique, I would say that the ending of the film is a little self-indulgent, going on for maybe a few minutes longer than needed. With that said, it still provided a heartwarming epilogue for the story.
Ultimately, I loved this movie. I think it could easily be a contender for Best Picture at the Oscars next year and would highly recommend you go see it. It is one of those rare films that I think will resonate with both critics and audiences alike. I give Project Hail Mary a 9.5/10.
Rating:
9.5/10
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