Project Hail Mary

 

Hard science fiction, AKA actually sciency science fiction, seems like a rarity these days. For every The Martian there are ten books/movies that just happen to take place in space and/or the future with very little actual science-based conjecture, making the label inaccurate. Project Hail Mary the book, like The Martian, is one of those rare works that not only attempts to make things as scientifically plausible as possible but also takes the time to show its work to the reader. Project Hail Mary the film loses some of the latter in its journey to the silver screen, but it triumphantly adapts everything else perfectly and is all the more powerful for its plausibility.

Project Hail Mary, like The Martian (both by Andy Weir, in case you were wondering why I keep bringing it up) is notable not only for its science but also for its humor and heart. Ryan Gosling plays Ryland Grace, our main character, and thank goodness he does, because I can think of very few other working actors today who could bring not only the charm required for the role but also the dramatic ability and charisma. I don’t think there’s a single scene in the film that doesn’t have Gosling in it, and the weight he carries as a result is staggering.

Directing his efforts are the team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller, a duo whose previous collaborations include the Spider-Verse films and The LEGO Movie. Like the choice of Gosling, the selection of these two couldn’t be any more perfect for the story in question as they nail every moment, from the lighthearted to the existentially tragic. There is some heavy stuff in Project Hail Mary; themes of isolation, impending doom, self-sacrifice… and Gosling, Lord, and Miller make you feel all of them.

Some of the hard science that is present in the book is left out, which I believe is a necessary sacrifice when adapting the story to film. As much as I enjoyed Grace explaining every little calculation, theory, and discovery in the novel there is no doubt that the pacing of the film would have suffered if all of that had been included. But when the actual science does come through, it gives the proceedings a realism that enhances the experience, because deep down you know that some of this could happen. And that is as terrifying as it is wonderful and exciting.

Project Hail Mary is a singular movie-going experience. Back when I did theater in high school we had a pre-play ritual that involved saying “make them laugh, make them cry, make them fall in love.”  Project Hail Mary will make you do all three, guaranteed.

Project Hail Mary is now playing in theaters.