Project Hail Mary Review 

An Instant Classic 

Project Hail Mary is an instant classic. The film, based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir, follows the space-faring journey of a man in a desperate attempt to save Earth from a biological threat. However, the existential danger of humanity’s doom is, of course, not the only conflict looming on the horizon.

Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a scientist-turned-teacher, wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory, slowly realizing he must save Earth from a star-consuming organism known as Astrophage. In isolation, he discovers an unexpected ally—Rocky (voiced by James Ortiz), a sentient rock-like alien whose world faces the same fate. Together, this unlikely pair works to solve the crisis, blending hard science with a deeply human story of friendship.

A Focused, Character-Driven Journey

As the film largely unfolds in space, with flashbacks that flesh out both the narrative and Ryland’s past, the number of speaking characters remains limited—and it works perfectly. Each performance is given room to breathe, to land, and to shine alongside Gosling and Ortiz. Grace carries the audience through an interstellar journey that reshapes our understanding of connection and sacrifice. But at its core, Ryland’s journey is a hard and familiar one—one that we all face. It’s a path shaped by self-doubt and regret through the weight of past decisions, pushing him toward moments of bravery in the face of overwhelming fear and certain doom. It ultimately becomes a story of acceptance for what is and for what can still be.

Ryan Gosling at His Absolute Peak

At the center of the film are Ryland and Rocky, and Ryan Gosling delivers what will almost certainly be regarded as a career-best performance. He brings Ryland Grace to a harrowing life, navigating the suffocating isolation and chaos of deep space with seamless emotional precision. When Gosling’s spirits lift, you feel it fully, and when the tension tightens, you sit in that dread with him. Every moment of his performance pulls you in.

Rocky: The Heart of the Film

Grace’s mineral-based companion lacks a face, but that proves completely irrelevant. Rocky is, without question, one of the most emotionally resonant presences in the film. He grounds the story—no pun intended—and proves that even the most unfamiliar forms of life can carry immense personality, layered emotion, and a powerful will to live. James Ortiz delivers exceptional voice work, giving Rocky a distinct and unforgettable presence that is sure to place itself in the hall of fame of unlikely sidekicks.

A Commanding Supporting Performance

Sandra Hüller delivers a commanding performance as the no-nonsense Eva Stratt.

Her portrayal is, when necessary, cold and unyielding, serving as a constant reminder of the stakes at hand. Humanity is on the brink of extinction, and Stratt will do whatever is required to stop that outcome. Even in her lighter moments, that urgency never fades. You feel the mission in her at all times, which speaks volumes about Hüller’s control and precision as a performer. 

Stunning Visual Craftsmanship

Academy Award–winning cinematographer Greig Fraser (known for Dune and The Batman) once again delivers breathtaking work.

Project Hail Mary carries a distinct and immersive visual identity, with cinematography that enhances its bold use of color and scale. Notably, the film avoids traditional green screen environments, instead relying heavily on practical sets for the spacecraft interiors, creating a tangible, lived-in realism that elevates every scene.

The visual effects—crafted by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)—bring the vastness of space and the film’s scientific concepts to life remarkably. Meanwhile, Rocky is realized through a blend of animatronics, puppetry, and digital enhancement by Framestore, continuing their long-standing legacy of exceptional work.

Final Verdict

Project Hail Mary truly has it all: a charming and deeply human hero, an unforgettable non-human companion, stunning visuals, and a story that is both engaging and heartfelt.

This is the kind of film that stays with you. A future fan favorite and, without question, a cult classic in the making. It’s a feel-good story wrapped inside a high-stakes survival narrative, and it hits exactly where it needs to. A tale of an unlikely hero. A united front. A reminder of what connection looks like, even at the edge of extinction. And this is a film that demands to be seen in its most immersive format: IMAX. Don’t walk to get your tickets—run.

Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is now playing in theaters worldwide.

— Rayano Riley

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