Project Hail Mary

English - Sci Fi
156 mins
In Cinemas

I wrote this peace, listening to the ethereal soundtrack composed by Daniel Pemberton.

Dr. Ryland Grace, a failed biologist turned school teacher, wakes up from a deep coma aboard a spaceship, with no memories — a side effect of hypersleep during interstellar travel. Alone and completely out of his depth, he gradually realises that he is the sole survivor and Earth’s “Hail Mary”, humanity’s last hope to save our Sun.

He is the biologist who helps discovered that the alien microscopic organism "astrophage" is feeding on the Sun (and other star systems), prompting a desperate mission to the only known star unaffected by the phenomenon. Along the way, he encounters a spider-like, rock-built creature, leading to an unlikely and deeply endearing friendship.

They build a bridge of trust, painstakingly figuring out a way to communicate. Grace eventually names the creature “Rocky”. It becomes clear that Rocky is, in many ways, another Grace: a scientist from the planet Erid, also trying solve the astrophage crisis.

At the risk of cinematic blasphemy, I agree with a sentiment of a review i read — Project Hail Mary (PHM) could well be the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for this generation. The film is less about the physics of space and biology of an alien organism and more about the chemistry, the covalent bonding between Grace and Rocky.

The movie alternates between the present and the flashback sequences earth (also indicated by switching aspect ratios on screen), showing how Grace was recruited by Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), the project director, before becoming an unlikely volunteer for this one-way mission.

PHM is based on the novel by Andy Weir and adapted by Drew Goddard — the duo behind immensely entertaining The Martian. The film carries forward that accessible, science-forward storytelling. While thematically adjacent to Interstellar, it keeps things far simpler. My 12-year-old could enjoy it without needing to grapple with relativity or wormholes. Any comparisons are therefore odious

Beautifully shot by Greig Fraser (of Dune fame), the film largely avoids green screen, relying on controlled sets and lighting that feel tactile and immersive. This intimacy also reflects in Ryan Gosling’s performance, particularly in his interactions with Rocky. The visuals, especially during the “fishing” sequence, are stunning, with clever use of LED lighting that makes the imagery truly pop.

The score by Daniel Pemberton is simple, playful, and always hopeful, only briefly shifting tone during the climax. It adds heart without overwhelming the narrative. The success of PHM will elevate him into the league of composers like Ludwig Göransson and Hans Zimmer. The songs featuring Scorpions, The Beatles, Harry Styles are thoughtfully placed and blend well with the tone.

Sandra Hüller plays her part with controlled restraint, embodying the unemotional toughness the role demands, before revealing glimpses of warmth in a karaoke sequence. Rocky, brought to life through the voice work of James Ortiz, is an absolute delight — part genius, part childlike wonder. You will find yourself smiling at every “Amaze, amaze” and “Fist my bump.”

The film, however, belongs to Ryan Gosling. His performance is charismatic, vulnerable, and deeply human. An actor with remarkable emotional range (as seen in Drive and Blue Valentine) and effortless charm (The Nice Guys, The Fall Guy), he brings both qualities together beautifully here. This is one of his finest performances and will likely rank among the best of 2026.

In a world that could use some hope and humour, Director’s Phil Lord and Chris Miller (who gave us the outstanding Spiderman animated movies) create Cinema magic. At just close to 2.5 hours(could have been tigher by 10/15 mins tighter), it remains a deeply engaging, feel-good experience with heartfelt performances(!) and impressive technical scale. Much like The Martian, it has immense rewatch value.

I travelled a fair bit to watch this in Dolby Cinema at AMB Kapali (compressed Screen shots below - Click for more about my experience), and it was absolutely worth it. Find the biggest screen you can — this is a film best experienced fully immersed.