Two Unlikely Best Friends Save The World In Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary finds middle school science teacher Ryland Grace stuck between a rock and a hard place, literally, as he’s tasked with saving humanity from Astrophage. These tiny alien lifeforms “scoot and toot” through the galaxy siphoning energy from stars, including our sun, and in less than 30 years they’ll lead to Earth’s extinction. 

Ryan Gosling is the perfect fit to bring Grace to life. He’s effortlessly charming and goofy, but also has the emotional depth to carry the weight of the mission. The story unfolds across two timelines: one on Earth that reveals how Grace ended up on the ship, and one in space as he works to save the world. The film occasionally dips in momentum during the Earth-set flashbacks. Scenes like Grace’s Home Depot run with his government handler Carl (Lionel Boyce) are hilarious, but for a character dealing with amnesia, those Earth moments rarely feel like memories he’s actively rediscovering. Instead, they play more like exposition for the audience.

But the real scene-stealer is Rocky, a spider-like rock alien brought to life in both puppetry and voice by Tony-nominated performer James Ortiz. Like Grace, he’s his planet’s last hope, leading the two to work together to solve an intergalactic crisis. The bond between Grace and Rocky elevates the film beyond its sci-fi premise and gives Grace something truly worth fighting for: a friend.

Based on the novel by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary is an impressive adaptation from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the hilarious duo behind fan-favorites like The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street. The film mixes epic sci-fi voyage with heartfelt buddy-comedy in a way that truly works. There are stunning cinematic shots, genuinely quotable lines that will leave you cackling, and a beautiful message about how connection gives us someone to be brave for.

Amaze! Amaze! Two thumbs up down (iykyk) for Project Hail Mary, out now in theaters.