If there’s ever been a book for a situationship you no longer speak with to recommend you, Project Hail Mary is the best-case scenario. And, as far as book-to-movie adaptations go, this one takes the cake. Emotionally brilliant, Project Hail Mary will most likely claim a spot as one of the best films of the decade.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film is a faithful adaptation of Andy Weir’s New York Times best-selling novel of the same name. It centers on molecular biologist Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling. Waking up on the Hail Mary, he has no memory from his medically induced coma. He has no recollection of who he is, where he is, why he is there, or what his mission aboard the spacecraft actually entails. Through a dual narrative structure of past and present in chronological order, the audience connects the dots alongside Dr. Grace.
With him as the sole survivor of a small crew, he remembers he is traveling to the Tau Ceti system, light-years away from Earth, to save his planet from a seemingly inevitable fate. The problem? The sun is dying because of alien microbes dubbed “Astrophage.” It will plunge humanity into a devastating ice age within thirty years. Unless Ryland Grace is successful in his mission. As Dr. Grace jogs his memory, an alien spacecraft joins him, introducing him to his new best friend, whom he affectionately names Rocky (James Ortiz). The microbes have also affected his planet. With a common goal, the two join hands, figuratively speaking, to save the stars.
The source material is classified as hard science fiction. There is an abundance of scientific vocabulary involved throughout the film, as it is in the book. However, akin to the book, Drew Goddard does a fantastic job of translating Andy Weir’s words in a way that is both scientifically accurate and accessible. Add to it a sprinkle of Lord and Miller’s signature humor that packages the story into one full of heart. Rarely do you get to experience the same story twice for the first time, but Lord, Miller, and Goddard gifted this to us.
Spiritually related to its sibling, The Martian (2015), Project Hail Mary is a love letter to humanity. The story highlights bravery in community, and it shows that solidarity often leads to the best results. There’s nothing brave in walking alone, and audiences will see that through Dr. Grace’s tender relationship with Rocky or through Eva Stratt’s (Sandra Hüller) ability to gather resources from around the world, inciting a global effort to work together.
Another aspect of the film that astounds is its below-the-line efforts. Striking and inspiring, it skillfully blends light, color, and sound into satisfying results, providing goosebumps as it explores the highs and lows of human emotion. Greig Fraser’s cinematography provides hypnotizing visuals that stun and dazzle. Daniel Pemberton’s score soothes the senses and plays with emotions.
As for casting, everything fell into place as it should have. Ryan Gosling delivers what may be one of the best performances of his career. His comedic chops and ability to balance different tonal shifts at once should be studied. Sandra Hüller provides an expert foil to Gosling’s upbeat take on Dr. Grace. She is serious when she needs to be, while bringing forth a grounding presence. James Ortiz makes Rocky feel larger than life with just his voice alone. As for the supporting cast, their seamless weaving in and out of scenes makes the world feel lived-in and believable, fully transporting one into a dazzling escape for the film’s runtime.
The perfect adaptation of this title exists in its beautifully imaginative complexity. It aptly interweaves through the past and present towards a liberating climax and a tearful ending. Not a single moment felt wasted. Without a doubt, Project Hail Mary will amaze you.
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