Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller
Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller, Lionel Boyce
Release Date: March 20, 2026
Platform: Theatrical
Rating: 5/5
By Johnny Kristoffersen
“The result is not only one of the strongest sci-fi films of the decade so far, but also one of the most memorable cinematic experiences.”
PROJECT HAIL MARY marks the first film in over a decade directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, bringing another unlikely IP to the big screen. The duo has long shown a talent for blending humor with emotional depth, from 22 Jump Street to The LEGO Movie. With PROJECT HAIL MARY, they take a larger leap, pushing their filmmaking into the realm of big-scale science fiction.
Adapted from the New York Times best-selling novel by Andy Weir, PROJECT HAIL MARY follows Ryland Grace, a scientist turned middle school teacher who finds himself alone in space with no memory of how he got there. As he begins to piece together his situation, he realizes he may be humanity’s only hope in solving a crisis threatening the survival of life on Earth.
Ryan Gosling plays our lead, Ryland Grace, and proves to be the right person for the role. He’s charismatic, hilarious, and delivers one of the most well-rounded performances of his career. Gosling nails not only the humor of Grace but also the emotional depth of being scared, confused and completely out of his element. There are many moments where he is the sole actor on screen, and his ability to fully commit to the character keeps those scenes engaging throughout. His comedic timing, physical performance, and line delivery all feel true to the character, while still making him grounded and relatable.
On top of this, we also have amazing performances from Sandra Huller, Lionel Boyce, and James Ortiz who voices Rocky. Huller is great as Eva Stratt, the woman assigned to lead the mission. She is fierce, strong, and carries the weight of making incredibly difficult decisions for the sake of the world Stratt is a key character that could have been fumbled, if not for such a strong performance by Huller.
It’s refreshing to see Boyce outside of The Bear, as he gives an effective performance as Officer Steve Hatch. A character that was mostly sidelined in the book but has a bigger role here as a supporter to Grace. Ortiz as the voice of Rocky also thrives. For those who have listened to the audiobook, you may have a certain way that you believe Rocky should sound and while it isn’t exact, Ortiz delivers a strong voice performance that fans won’t be disappointed by.
Lord and Miller really strived to make a sci-fi movie that looked as realistic as possible. Zero blue or green screens were used in the process of crafting this film. Instead, they focused on building big practical sets and had a puppeteer model of Rocky to act alongside Gosling at all times. This helped the film be able to ensure realistic lighting and more tangible performances.
The cinematography plays a major role in shaping the film’s atmosphere, often framing Grace alone within the massive ship to emphasize the isolation at the center of the story. Paired with a score and sound design that builds tension during the film’s more suspenseful moments, the result is an experience that feels increasingly rare in modern Hollywood. The world feels tangible and immersive, pulling the audience deeper into Grace’s journey.
What works best here is the emotional core of the film, particularly in the relationship between Grace and his unlikely companion. Their dynamic brings a balance of humor and tension that constantly keeps the film engaging and this balance is where Lord and Miller thrive. They have a strong understanding of how to weave humor into more serious moments without undercutting them, allowing the relationship at the center of the film to feel both entertaining and meaningful.
PROJECT HAIL MARY explores what it means to be alone and how we as individuals cope with that feeling. It also examines the responsibility that comes with being placed in an impossible situation and the difficult choices that must be made when the fate of others hangs in the balance. It puts those hard decisions in the viewers’ hands and asks, what would you do in this situation? It’s not only a science fiction movie with an extreme idea but also a film about camaraderie, sacrifice, exploring differences with one another and the power of working together when everything seems impossible.
For fans of the book, you won’t be disappointed with this adaptation. Every major story beat is there, and it hardly strays from the source material. The humor that makes the book so enjoyable and the way Rocky interacts with Grace as well as the big reveals from the book are all translated effectively into the film. While the movie does take some creative liberties, they are all minor changes that many won’t notice. Lord and Miller take great care of the IP, and this may very well be the most perfect book-to-movie adaptation that has ever been put on screen. If you aren’t a reader or haven’t decided to pick up the book, you’ll still have a great time getting engrossed in this sci-fi epic.
If you’re a fan of the emotional weight of a sci-fi film, like Interstellar or you’re looking for the humor in being alone, like The Martian, PROJECT HAIL MARY delivers on both fronts. The movie combines the best of what makes both of those movies so special to sci-fi fans. The result is not only one of the strongest sci-fi films of the decade so far, but also one of the most memorable cinematic experiences.
