Project Hail Mary is a cinematic miracle

Now more than ever, the world needs Grace. Ryland Grace, that is.

Project Hail Mary tells the story of science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) as he awakens lightyears from Earth, unable to recall how he got there. When he finally remembers his mission, Grace realizes that he’s been tasked with unlocking the mysteries of an unknown substance that threatens to humanity’s extinction. But just as things seem bleakest, Grace meets Rocky, an interstellar scientist who inspires him to keep going.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary is an utterly remarkable achievement. Sharply written, smart and engaging, this is the sort of grand epic adventure that invites everyone to get on the ride. Although based on the novel by The Martian’s Andy Weir, Hail Mary is the sort of cinematic experience that feels entirely original. Part E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and part Interstellar with a dash of Flight of the Navigator (deep cut!) thrown in, Lord & Miller have created a film that is epic in scale yet intimate and personal and the same time. It takes itself entirely seriously yet still maintains the sense of play that marks so many of their projects.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in PROJECT HAIL MARY, from Amazon MGM Studios.
Photo credit: Jonathan Olley
© 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Honestly and truly, it’s a family-friendly masterpiece.

But let’s get more specific. In terms of scope, Lord & Miller really do find a unique balance between the grandiose and personal. Best experienced in IMAX, the film features some truly thrilling sequences that carry major stakes. This is a film where the fate of the world lies in the hands of one lonely soul and Lord & Miller ensure that we feel the weight of the mission and the burden of sacrifice upon its man. (The scene with the ‘scoop’ is an excellent example of this.)

Yet, at the same time, the film’s stakes resonate because the script is focused so intensely on the relationships between characters. On Earth, Grace’s relationship with Sandra Huller’s Eva keeps the film feeling grounded and honest. The tension between them highlights the uphill battle facing humanity and the hopelessness that knocks on the door. (For what it’s worth you will never hear Harry Styles’ ‘Sign of the Times’ quite the same way again.) And then, in the furthermost corners of deep space, Grace’s relationship with Rocky reveals humanity’s deepest needs for connection in order to thrive.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace and Sandra Hüller as Eva Stratt in PROJECT HAIL MARY, from Amazon MGM Studios.
Photo credit: Jonathan Olley
© 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Ah Rocky.

Although Gosling maintains his trademark affability and humour, easily the film’s most beloved character will be Rocky, Grace’s alien co-pilot who steals the film almost immediately. Simply put, Grace’s discovery of Rocky leads to one of the most charming on-screen pairings in years. Rather than using CGI, Lord & Miller (and Gosling, for that matter) insisted on using practical effects to create the lovable interstellar scientist. As a result, Gosling’s interactions feel entirely genuine, giving them real time to connect in surprising ways. It’s not just that his tactile nature makes him more believable. It’s that Rocky becomes more personal. In every conversation, Rocky becomes a participant, not just a special effect. He’s innocent and adorable but also insightful, brave and intelligent.

And Hail Mary does offer some surprising subtext that seems to lean into something more than the average space opera. While the film never becomes preachy, it does seem to be looking for answers for a world spinning out of control. Faced with the potential for another ice age, Eva and the global governments recognize that the world truly is at a tipping point. With only year’s left before destruction, they’re scrambling to find a solution.

And they turn to Grace.

Yes, Grace may be the name of Gosling’s character as opposed to any grand concept and one could easily dismiss these comments as baseless. Even so, the film does mark him as the only answer to a world about the collapse. In doing so, it appears to highlight the need for grace as a concept as opposed to merely a character. This is a film that taps into our search meaning in the face of disaster, leaning into questions of God and existential hope. (What’s more, to those familiar with the Catholic catechism, it’s no coincidence that the film’s ship, the Hail Mary, is ‘full of Grace’.) While Hail Marynever becomes explicitly faith-based, it does recognize the power of spirituality in the face of extinction.

In the end, there’s no question that Hail Mary is the sort of film that could genuinely be part of the conversation during next year’s awards season. With stunning visual effects and solid performances, Lord & Miller have woven an instant cinematic classic that should entertain audiences of all ages.

Do yourself a favour. Get onboard.

Project Hail Mary is available in theatres on Friday, March 20^th, 2026.