Project Hail Mary (2026) Review

Time: 156 Minutes
Age Rating: M
Cast:
Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace
Sandra Hüller as Eva Stratt
James Ortiz as Rocky (voice)
Lionel Boyce as Officer Carl
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

I was somewhat interested in Project Hail Mary, even if I wasn’t blown away by the trailers. It’s based on a sci-fi book from the author who wrote The Martian novel, was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and stars Ryan Gosling in the lead role. I went to an early screening of the movie and it was better than I thought it would be.

Project Hail Mary is a solid and enjoyable sci-fi adventure, with a fair amount of emotion and humour. I think that it might’ve had a bit too much comedy though, to the point where it occasionally felt glib. The Martian had a perfect balance of comedy and drama, and while Project Hail Mary is mostly fine, the quirky sense of humour could’ve been toned down at times (especially in the second half). Admittedly, I found the first act of the movie to be a little rough. It begins with Ryan Gosling waking up on the spaceship and trying to figure out everything that’s happening, while occasionally cutting to flashbacks of him on Earth. Once he meets an alien who he calls Rocky, the film considerably improves. The movie really is at its best when it’s just focussing on Gosling in space (especially with the addition of Rocky). The flashbacks on Earth are considerably less interesting, even if they are necessary for the story, however, they do get better as the film progresses. Project Hail Mary is nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes in length and you can really feel it, mainly because of its steady pacing. I think it is fitting for the movie, though it does struggle at times, both with the first act and with the final stretch. The third act particularly felt like it was about to end before going on for longer multiple times.

Ryan Gosling is really great here, making for a likable, charismatic and funny lead. For the most part, he’s the sole actor carrying this movie, and he does well with the physical comedy while also delivering on the emotion. The dynamic between him and Rocky is the heart of the film, and Gosling really sells this relationship. Sandra Hüller is also really good in her scenes.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have made their biggest live action film yet. The cinematography is stunning and beautiful, and the camera especially moves throughout the main space ship setting in a fluid and effective way. The visual effects are great too, and the practical puppet work for Rocky is especially effective. It also benefits from a really solid score from Daniel Pemberton.