There’s been hype around the Project Hail Mary film, adapted from the novel by Andy Weir, since the first trailer dropped in 2025. This is partly because it’s based on a book by the same author who wrote The Martian as well as other incredible sci fi hits. It’s also because it’s directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who directed modern pop culture phenomena like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Lego Movie. It also stars Ryan Gosling, a well-loved actor, and overall looked like an intriguing concept and that it looked well-made.

Now that the movie has been in theaters for a couple of weeks, does it live up to that initial hype? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

The Good

The acting here is top-notch. Ryan Gosling showcases his immense talent by spending most of the movie acting alone or just against a faceless rock puppet. It’s genuinely impressive and should absolutely put him in the Oscar race next year. When we do see other performances, like from Sandra Hüller, they’re also fantastic.

This film is one of the most visually stunning movies in recent years. The visuals, both traditional effects and CGI, are masterfully done. It really looks like Ryan Gosling is floating through space and talking to an actual rock alien. In addition to the special effects, it’s also incredibly well-shot. There’s good use of shadows and lighting, and there are moments in which the camera itself rotates to perfectly capture the feeling of not knowing which way is up. This movie is a visual achievement in every sense.

The story of the movie is told nonlinearly, which can be tough to pull off, but it did so spectacularly. The nonlinear storytelling benefited it greatly. It allowed the film to flow well and feel perfectly well-paced, as well as provide an insight into Dr. Grace’s mind and memory, as he gradually remembers certain events from before he flew to space. It’s handled masterfully.

The film touches on brilliant themes and important messages. It’s a story that focuses on connection and togetherness that can be translated into many aspects of our real world. We may come from very different places and backgrounds, but we have common goals that we should work together for. The story also encourages doing what’s right for the rest of the world, even if it comes with a sacrifice. This can be thought of as an environmentalist theme or any other way to better our world.

There’s also some strong character development, especially for Ryan Gosling’s character. Grace gradually learns to be more courageous throughout the movie, and it feels so satisfying when we see it come full circle. The payoff feels incredible. 

The story is filled with suspense, humor, and heart. There are moments that will have audiences on the edge of their seat, some that will lead to uproarious laughter, and plenty that will lead to tears. It’s a film that truly has it all, and it all first together swimmingly.

The character of Rocky is wildly entertaining. He’s so well-written, well-puppeted, and cleverly designed that he has the potential to go down as one of the great characters of movie history, like E.T. or Darth Vader.

The Bad

While almost all of the visual effects are phenomenal, there is one brief moment in which there’s a CGI Ryan Gosling that looks a little off. It’s only for a very brief moment, about a half second of screen time, but it was a little uncanny. It’s far from the worst thing in the world, but it’s a little jarring to see compared to the rest of the visual effects that are so good.

There are a handful of moments in the third act that feel like great, natural endings for the story, but then it still continues. It feels a little like Lord of the Rings: Return of the King with its multiple endings. I can see some people taking issue with it like they do with Lord of the Rings. That being said, each of these “endings” are great, and they all make sense to happen one after another the way they do. The actual ending scene is the best possible outcome for it all anyway, so it’s another issue so small it’s not really an issue.

Conclusion

Project Hail Mary is a movie that feels special. With spectacular visuals, a stellar performance from Ryan Gosling, and a beautiful story, it’s a film that deserves to not only be seen by all, but remembered for years to come.

Rating: 10/10

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