Sci-fi movies have always been a favorite of mine. When videos started trending on social media about another sci-fi movie in theaters, “Project Hail Mary,” I was interested. “Project Hail Mary” was being heavily compared to my favorite movie ever, “Interstellar,” so I really wanted to see what was so special about this new movie.
The film was released on March 20 and has already grossed over $500 million. It follows Dr. Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, as he is forced on an intergalactic space mission to save earth. The major problem facing Dr. Grace and the world is that sun-eating bacteria called astrophage are found dimming the sun along with other stars. However, another star called Tau Ceti is not affected. After much trial and research, Grace is sent with two other crew members to Tau Ceti to find out why it is unaffected and how that may help our sun. Along the way he runs into an alien, played by puppeteer James Ortiz, from the Eridani star system. Grace names him Rocky and the two team up to save their stars from the astrophage.
A major thing I loved from this movie was how the science included felt very real, as a lot of it was based on facts. Obviously, intergalactic space travel is not currently possible, but nothing felt too fictional at any point. No intergalactic alien vs. human wars were taking place.
The characters were really interesting too. Both Rocky and Grace were very complex and seeing their relationship form was sweet. Eva Stratt, played by Sandra Hüller, the head of the mission to save the sun, was also unique. She started off cold, mission-dedicated and focused, but the movie showed her warm up to Grace and become more human towards the launch. Character development like this is what makes movies good and can even change people’s opinion on a character.
Acting is, of course, a key component of every movie, and the “Project Hail Mary” cast nailed that. Gosling had numerous emotional scenes and even with the scientific complexity of the scenes, they all felt genuine. He clearly put so much effort, love and passion into this movie, which elevates his performance by a landslide. His performance had an impact on so many viewers. I feel like a lot of movies are filled with cheap and TikTok style acting which can just ruin a movie. I wouldn’t have loved the movie as much as I do if Gosling’s performance was downgraded by the slightest.
Aside from the spectacular acting within the film, the visuals were also stunning. Some scenes were so beautiful that I can’t even describe them, like the Petrova Line scene which seriously made me tear up. What really made this scene beautiful was not just the color schemes and lighting, but also seeing it right up in your face. The scene surrounds you when watching in theaters.
I’ve only truly cried during two movies, “Interstellar” and “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Now, “Project Hail Mary” makes itself the third movie I’ve cried at. It really is an emotional work of cinema. It’s sad, sweet, happy and suspenseful all at once.
Additionally, seeing it in theaters does have a major impact on its presentation. I would recommend, if possible, to see it while it is still playing. Watching for the first time on streaming will not be nearly as life-changing as seeing it at a movie theater is. Even if sci-fi is not your favorite genre, I would still recommend you to go watch it. “Project Hail Mary” is one of those movies everyone needs to see at least once; you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced it.
