‘Project Hail Mary’ review: Ryan Gosling shines in a heartfelt and witty space adventure

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s Project Hail Mary is a charming science fiction comedy that blends humour, emotion, and clever storytelling. Adapted by Drew Goddard from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, the film stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a school science teacher unexpectedly thrust into a mission to save Earth from a dying Sun. Grace discovers that a microorganism called the Astrophage is draining solar energy, threatening to cause global catastrophe. Under pressure from mission head Eva, played with precision by German actor Sandra Hüller, Grace reluctantly joins a space team to find a solution — though he ends up stranded alone in space.

His isolation is soon broken by the arrival of Rocky, a spider-like alien made of stone who, despite his appearance, is full of charm and ingenuity. Together, Grace and Rocky form an unlikely partnership, combining their scientific know-how and quippy banter to find a way to save both their worlds. The film’s humour and tenderness rest heavily on Gosling’s charisma, while the impressive visual effects and Daniel Pemberton’s vibrant background score enhance its emotional tone. Though the film runs a little long at 156 minutes and sometimes indulges itself in scientific explanations, Project Hail Mary remains engaging and visually delightful. Gosling’s confident yet grounded performance ensures the film never loses its warmth or entertainment value, even amid moments of cosmic peril.