Movie Review - Project Hail Mary

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Genre: Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 156 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller
 
Description: A science teacher (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone on a spaceship. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth’s sun, and realizes that an unexpected friendship may be the key.
 
Review: “Project Hail Mary is an absolute triumph for modern science fiction cinema. Directors Phil Lord and Christoper Miller succeed in transforming Andy Weir’s complex, scientific source material into a visually stunning cinematic spectacle that excels in both scale and pure humanity. The film strikes a fabulous balance between the cosmic grandeur of “Interstellar” and the optimistic humor of “The Martian” (which was also based on a book by Andy Weir). Maybe an unpopular opinion and a very rare statement, but I think the film is better than the book.

Ryan Gosling plays the cynical yet resourceful scientist Ryland Grace. He effortlessly carries the film and he is at his best in “Project Hail Mary”. He manages to make the existential loneliness of space palpable, while simultaneously retaining his irresistible, dryly humorous charm.

The introduction of the alien Rocky elevates the film to a masterful level. The interaction and communication through musical tones is exceptionally creative. It results in one of the most heartwarming, believable, and memorable friendship in film history.

Greig Fraser’s cinematography makes space feel as terrifying as it is beautiful. The mix of physical effects and CGI ensures that Rocky never feels artificial.

The flashbacks on Earth provide the film with the necessary context. Sandra Hüller shines as the cool, pragmatic Eva Stratt, which serves as a perfect contrast to the more relaxed, emotional tone in space.
In the final fifteen minutes, the film leans a bit to heavily on feel-good sugar coating. A bit too Hollywood for me and the only reason I couldn’t give it a full 5-stars.

“Project Hail Mary” is the ultimate science fiction experience of 2026. It redefines the classic space film by wrapping a pitch-black scenario in a hopeful, moving, and at times hilarious adventure about universal connection. An absolute must-see for every sci-fi.

Rating: 4,5/ 5