Here’s my Project Hail Mary review which stars Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller based on the novel by Andy Weir, and is distributed locally by Columbia Pictures Philippines!
Gosling plays the role of Ryland Grace, a scientist turned schoolteacher whose previously published works hold the key to solving the problem of these microscopic entities that are slowly eating up the sun and thereby placing a huge risk for planet Earth and its inhabitants. The story goes in two different directions, cutting between the flashback of Grace and his involvement and the present time of the story as he continues to look for a way to save the sun.
First off, Ryan Gosling was great in this one. Not only is he a bankable and dependable actor, but he also delivers the kind of protagonist that we needed for this story. Someone who is capable and hesitant and someone who oozes with cool and charisma and just about the right amount of geek to make him still a believable “scientist”.
It’s also not a secret that we have an alien character here, and that makes the other half of the fun for Project Hail Mary. The alien Rocky is as quirky as Grace, and them pinging off of each other’s nerd-ness is such an endearing moment for this flick. You also begin to love Rocky by himself, showing how he is a kind friend despite being alien.
You’ll like how the film plays off on the idea of isolation and how quickly one opens up when they find a kindred spirit. In the case of Grace and Rocky, both their situations made them actually enjoy each other’s company because they had suffered the same problems and heartbreak trying to get to their destination. So it’s relatively easy for them to bond over their shared loss and mission, which was also one of the more uplifting parts of the film.
You’d actually think that the only threat and conflict will happen in space, but in the flashbacks, there was one critical moment that changed everything for Grace, and also one of the biggest mysteries at the start of the film: who was he, and why was he on board? That answer comes roughly towards the end of the film, and it’s a big betrayal for most casual fans and moviegoers. But if you analyze the film and see it from that betrayer’s you’ll understand that that person’s intentions were valiant and desperate and that individual also knew deep down that Grace had what it takes to survive and thrive. He just needed on big push for him to go through all that. And that resonates not just for me but I guess for anyone who’s over the fence on things, hesitating to get out of their comfort zone and do some real good.
Also, I have to commend Sandra Huller, who not only shone brightly in her scenes as Eva Stratt, but also did an incredible job doing a cover of the Harry Styles song “Sign of the Times” in one of the quieter moments of the film.
I loved the ending for Project Hail Mary, you’ll also love that little “The Beatles” reference towards the end. You could actually say in some way that the Beatles saved the world.
The visuals for the film is so gorgeous whether it’s those scenes in the visual room, that scene where Grace does his space walk as well as those moments where he was trying to collect as much astrophages as possible with the help of Rocky.
If you ask me, Project Hail Mary is definitely up there as one of the best films for 2026 and that’s already a big feat considering how many big projects are still hiding in the bushes down the road.
Go and watch Project Hail Mary because not only is it a future classic sci-fi, it’s got a lot of heart and feel good moments. Stick through the boring science talk and you get good payoffs as the story unravels. Good acting also for Ryan Gosling but you guys already know that.
10/10
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