Project Hail Mary

About Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary is the kind of sci-fi movie that makes you forget you're sitting in a cinema. Ryan Gosling wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory, and the movie peels back layers of what happened — why he's there, what's killing the sun, and why he might be the last hope for every living thing on Earth. It's based on Andy Weir's novel (same guy who wrote The Martian), and if you liked that one, this hits the same notes of science-as-survival but with higher emotional stakes.

What makes it work isn't just the problem-solving, though that's satisfying on its own. The real hook is an unexpected friendship that develops mid-mission — one the trailers barely hint at — and it turns a solo survival story into something genuinely moving. The science is played straight enough to feel credible, and the humor lands without undercutting the tension.

Phil Lord directed this, which might surprise people who know him from Spider-Verse and The Lego Movie. He brings a lighter touch to what could've been a very heavy film, and it's better for it.

Cast & Crew

• Director: Phil Lord
• Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz

Is It Worth Watching?

This is one of the best sci-fi films in years. Gosling gives a performance with more range than most of his recent work, and the story rewards paying attention without making you feel like you need a physics degree. At 2 hours 37 minutes it's long, but it earns every minute. If you're choosing one movie this week, this is the one.

Quick Facts

• Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Runtime: 2 hrs 37 mins
• TMDB Rating: 8.2/10 (1,149 votes)