In the deep space thriller “Project Hail Mary,” space experts with the Petrova task force race to save humanity after discovering a dying sun, along with other stars, is infected with a substance known as astrophage. Ryan Gosling plays Ryland Grace, the sole survivor in co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s $248 million project filmed in IMAX and standard formats, adapted from Andy Weir’s best-selling sci-fi novel.
Grace, a scientist turned middle school science teacher, awakens from a sleep pod in deep space, appearing almost numb and unable to move or speak properly, as his motor functions and memories gradually recover. Grace discovers that his crew members didn’t survive the trek into space.
As the film progresses and Grace’s character develops while in isolation, the filmmakers use flashbacks to fill in missing information and explain the seriousness of the mission.
It also explains how he finds himself in space, which is crucial to saving the sun.
Some viewers might find the flashbacks revealing his mission in depth a bit slow and tiresome, as they take away from the action, as Grace takes time for deep reflection, settles into a shipboard routine and becomes comfortable. An alien comically introduces himself to Grace through a computer translator after both choose a voice they like.
Grace later learns the alien’s name is Rocky.
An unlikely bond develops 12 light-years from Earth, giving hope as the two become instant allies working to save their suns from dying.
The duo becomes unstoppable, and viewers will likely fall in love with Rocky’s personality instantly. He’s an alien with a servant’s heart.
Gosling is a three-time Academy Award nominee who may be nominated for his well-rounded performance in his amazing role on screen and behind the scenes, carrying this motion picture to the finish line for fans who enjoyed Gosling’s on-screen friendship with Rocky.
This film could easily be his best performance yet.
The science community will appreciate how well this film integrates science into this sci-fi thriller.
However, after surpassing 150 minutes, the movie may feel too long for some, but it culminates in an epic, miracle-like “Hail Mary” ending, and a plot that justifies the wait.
Grade: A
