PROJECT HAIL MARY has delivered a certified sci-fi classic to the new generation. Adapted from the novel by Andy Weir, directors Phil Llyod and Chris Miller deliver a stunning, jam-packed adventure over the course of 2 and a half hours. The film follows middle school teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) as he wakes up alone on a spaceship with no way to get back to Earth. The film is divided equally between memories from his past, when he worked with the famed scientist Eva Stratt (Academy Award nominee Sandra Hüller), and his present, as he forms an unlikely bond with an alien named Rocky (voiced by James Ortiz).
I saw an early screening of this film with my dad, who has been anxiously awaiting its release because of his love of the book. Personally, I wouldn’t consider myself the biggest fan of science fiction, as it’s certainly the genre I’m the least familiar with. With that being said, I am truly surprised at how captivating the film was. I was invested not only in the characters and plot, but also in the science and stakes of the situation. The film hits the ground running right away and immerses you in this world from the first shot. As we neared the end of the first act, I could sense myself starting to lose interest, but I was quickly saved as they introduced the highlight of the film- the lovable Rocky.
Rocky is, without a doubt, the heart of the film. Ryan Gosling is delightfully charming and does a great job at managing the range of emotions he portrays during this arc, but his duo with Rocky is where he truly shines. It’s Rocky’s innocence and wholehearted good nature that made me fall in love with the character. Every generation has some alien that steals our heart, from E.T. to Stitch, and now we have Rocky! Rocky showcases the importance of connection in a time when we can feel alone and isolated. In Grace’s case, this was a literal isolation as he spent his days alone on the spaceship. But I believe Rocky represents more than that, as all of us can use a beam of laughter, joy, and uplifting optimism when we feel lost.
I was lucky enough to see this stunner of a film in IMAX, and while it will still be just as good in a normal theater, the large-scale space scenes were gorgeous in such a huge format. The visual look of the film also greatly enhances the story, as the past and present are differentiated by aspect-ratio changes that are incredibly clear on the enlarged screen. The color palette for the film is one of the key factors that make it so captivating to watch. The rich, vibrant colors of space reflect beautifully off the emptiness of the black galaxy. Even the colors of the Earthly scenes feel special. Although they are much more muted than the marvel of space, seeing the light shine on a classroom or the clouds in the sky reminds us of how beautiful and delicate the world around us is. The contrast between the two “worlds” greatly helps to differentiate Grace in the past vs. the present.
It’s really inspiring in today’s society to see a tale of how one man can change the world. As cliché as an underdog story may be, I think we need them now more than ever. The film brings a sense of optimism and underscores the importance of humanity at a time when we may lose sight of it. You want to see Grace succeed not only to save the world but also to show that we can do remarkable things even when the odds are stacked against us. The film is not only incredibly inspirational but also quite funny. In the crowded IMAX theater, I heard a roar of laughter at every joke and found myself cracking a smile at moments I did not expect to.
PROJECT HAIL MARY is a blockbuster sure to entertain all ages. It is well worth setting aside 3 hours to go out to the theater and watch it on the big screen. Experience the power of connection with the people around you. Let these theaters be crowded with laughter and allow yourself to become immersed in this world. It’s original, an endearing story, and holds up its themes across the entire runtime.
PROJECT HAIL MARY, playing in theaters on March 20th.
