Project Hail Mary (2026)

• Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
• Screenplay: Drew Goddard
• Based on: ‘Project Hail Mary‘ by Andy Weir
• Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller
• Cinematography: Greig Fraser
• Editing: Joel Negron
• Score: Daniel Pemberton
• Genre: Science fiction adventure
• Runtime: 156 minutes

Similar to ‘The Martian‘ (also based on a book by Andy Weir) in the respect that it’s one man’s space-set story, ‘Project Hail Mary‘ has middle school science teacher Ryland Grace (Gosling) aboard a spacecraft. He’s been chosen by the government to study Astrophage, a microorganism that’s causing our sun to dim. Obviously, it’s bad news – it’ll result in global cooling within a 30 year time period. Quite how our boffin ends up as part of the crew on the Hail Mary is revealed later on through the use of flashbacks.

You don’t need a doctorate in molecular biology (like Grace does) to get the gist of what’s going on. Though not an out-and-out comedy, there’s an abundance of humour to keep us engaged and to make this an enjoyable experience. Thankfully so – it’s a 2.5 hour runtime. It doesn’t feel that long, even if every single drop of sentimentality possible is squeezed out before the conclusion. It certainly helps that our protagonist is so affable as he’s the only human onscreen for most of the movie.

He’s not alone however. Waking from his medically induced coma, he discovers his other two crew members have perished, leaving him solely in charge of the mission. En route to Tau Ceti, the lone star the Astrophage hasn’t infected, Grace comes into contact with an alien craft. He meets a five-legged lifeform, who he bestows the name ‘Rocky’ (due to its rock-like composition). Once the means of communication have been established, a budding bromance between the pair blossoms. The premise is pleasant and rather quirky.

Films set in space are always beautiful visually; this is no exception – the green hue of the planet Tau Ceti e (nicknamed ‘Adrian’) is dazzling. No Hail Marys required here; this film is a delight from start to finish.

My rating: 7 / 10