There are countless films under the Science-Fiction (Sci-Fi) category. More specifically, there are so many movies that are about an astronaut going into space for a specific space mission. These concepts are not anything new and have been seen before. Yet, “Project Hail Mary” is able to build off of the Sci-Fi genre in the best way possible and ties in deep themes seamlessly to bring something completely new and refreshing to the table. Buckle up, this one is an emotional one.
The film begins with Dr. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a man who has just woken up on a spaceship after being in a coma for years. At first he does not remember why he is there, but he quickly regains consciousness and remembers his mission. The issue at hand is that the Sun is dying because of Astrophages, otherwise known as microscopic aliens that are eating its light. Due to this, the Earth and all its inhabitants are at risk, which drives government space teams to collaborate and investigate how to solve the issue.
Throughout the movie, Grace’s flashbacks are shown from when he was a middle school astronomy teacher and from when he was planning the space discovery. Due to its high risk, he had no motivation to participate in it. Gosling’s portrayal felt very real and human, as anyone would be anxious to risk their life for the greater good. Not only did he show vulnerability, Gosling’s delivery of his humorous lines was spot on as each joke landed very well. His character was very likeable and felt relatable.
In the movie, Grace has to keep conducting experiments to find the solution to the celestial catastrophe that the world is up against. He is forced to think critically about his experimentation in order to save humanity and encounters a scientific crisis. Some Sci-Fi movies tend to stress the “science” part of the genre a little too much which can confuse viewers, but “Project Hail Mary” incorporates science in a way that is easily digestible for the average viewer, in an exciting investigative process.
Alone on a spaceship thousands of light years away from Earth, the main character Grace finds himself extremely lonely and isolated. Having gone without human interaction for years, he comes across an alien being named Rocky. An adorable sidekick, Rocky takes the film to the next level as it instantly becomes more engaging and amusing. The bond between Rocky and Grace is not only comical, but extremely touching, leaving the hearts of viewers with heartfelt emotions.
The themes that were explored, such as loneliness, friendship, loss and uncertainty were so meaningful, yet each and every one of them were handled exceptionally. “Project Hail Mary” is not a movie that is just about exploring space, but a story about connection, sacrifice and hope in the face of uncertainty. This extra layer of realism made it feel like the viewer was on the journey with Grace and Rocky and overcoming challenges alongside them.
This film really takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster as there are such high-stakes and many major plot twists. Each switch-up in the plot leaves viewers on the edge of their seats for the entirety of the film’s runtime. These new twists and turns never feel out of place and do not feel repetitive, providing the film with a refreshing narrative structure.
Emotionally, conceptually and narratively, “Project Hail Mary” delivers. But, it does not end there. Beyond that, this film offers viewers so many breathtaking scenes with wide angle shots of planets adorned with green swirls, fluorescent blue rings surrounding them and even red stars that illuminate outer space with their glowy light. “Project Hail Mary” is undeniably a treat to look at, especially in cinemas when there is a wide viewing screen and dark ambience from the theater.
There are some movies that start off well but end up disappointing. Some are even boring throughout. But then, there are some that take the viewer on a ride and are captivating from start to finish, leaving them fulfilled. That is the perfect way to describe “Project Hail Mary.”
