Tired of Terrible Modern Sci-Fi? The Antidote Is Here, And Perfectly Close
by Chris Sawin | Published
A man (Ryan Gosling) wakes up aboard a spaceship as one of three survivors. At first he doesn’t remember who he is, what his job is, or how far he is from Earth. Through photos, digging through personal belongings, and a lot of vodka, the man begins to remember that he is a middle school science teacher named Ryland Grace.
Grace was also a molecular biologist before becoming a teacher. He was hired by the government to study Astrophage, a microorganism found in the solar system. Astrophage is beginning to eclipse the sun, and in 30 years it may cause global cooling and the death of most of the world’s population.
Journey to Save the World
Astrophage infects all the other stars near the sun except one, Tau Ceti. A three-person team of scientists is sent into space, on a journey 11.5 light-years away, to investigate and hope to save humanity. The catch is that there is no way home and everyone involved knows this is a suicide mission. That program is called Project Hail Mary.
Project Hail Mary is based on the 2021 novel of the same name by Andy Weir, author of The Martian. The script for the film was written by Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods, Bad Times at the El Royale) and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie again Spider-Verse franchises).
The sci-fi adventure film has a budget of around $200 million, so it’s visually stunning. What makes it special, however, is the relationship between Grace and her alien Rocky.
Project Hail Mary Is A Bump-Fisting Buddy Movie
When Grace arrives at Tau Ceti, she encounters an alien spaceship. Through dancing, jazz hands, nods, and Grace learning that Rocky communicates with echolocation and musical tones, she creates a translation device to help them communicate. Grace names Rocky herself after his rock-like appearance.
Ryland Grace lost his entire life. He was once a respected scientist, but now he teaches at the highest levels. He is single and has no pets or immediate family, and is not committed to anything. She hides in humor and sarcastic charm. Rocky is a mechanic and the only survivor of his spaceship. He and his dying crew appear on the planet Eridian, and Rocky is also sent to try to save his sun.
After years of being separated, Grace and Rocky begin to bond over the fact that they don’t have to be alone anymore. They also enjoy being together and agree to work together.
What’s interesting is that Grace, as a character, only grows through her interactions with Rocky. The decisions he makes in the second half of the film can only be made possible by his growth as a person. Rocky sticks to Grace like glue from the moment they meet, but you can tell Grace is holding back because she knows Rocky is working to get back to Eridian, and Grace will never see Earth again.
One of Ryan Gosling’s Best Performances
Ryan Gosling has delivered many amazing and powerful performances throughout his career. Ryland Grace is one of the best. Gosling is able to bring many traits from other roles he’s portrayed, but he’s incredibly funny here, understandably nervous, and perhaps the most emotional he’s had in any recent on-screen role.
His take on Grace is subtle at times, but he always seems to know how she’s feeling or what she’s thinking, even though most of the time no one is speaking. That makes the film not only heartbreaking but also more rewarding in the long run.
Andy Weir and Drew Goddard wrote Project Hail Maryentertaining on several levels. The film is surprisingly impressive, which is intended in a highly complimentary manner. The concept is already interesting, but the film takes unexpected turns in its second half. Grace weaves her memories throughout the film, so you get to see all the space drama unfold for a while, and then we get a glimpse of how Grace became the last member of the Project Hail Mary team of scientists.
The Most Satisfying Ending of Any Modern Hollywood Film
It’s Grace and Rocky’s bond that really hijacks the film and sends it crashing into one of the most satisfying endings in recent memory. This is a hilarious ride that will make you laugh for the first half, cry for the second, and walk you out of the theater with a big-ass smile on your face and your heart full. It’s the feel-good movie of the year.
Project Hail Mary it is a good example of why cinemaphiles love to go to the theater. If popcorn flicks can stimulate the mind, the emotions are amazing, and most importantly, then so be it Project Hail Mary the ultimate popcorn flick.
Project Hail Mary now playing in theaters. See it in IMAX if you can.
