Based on the novel by Andy Weir, PROJECT HAIL MARY explores the concept of uber-smart schoolteacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) joining an interstellar mission to save our planet from an alien bacteria that is literally destroying our sun. Comparisons to films like INTERSTELLAR should be expected, but unlike that film, this one is told in a very non-linear fashion. It opens with Grace already in orbit, waking up suddenly to discover his ship’s crew have all died, and now he must act alone to complete his mission… or so he thinks.
We discover through flashbacks that he initially cracked the code of this alien bacteria as being an organism that can be attacked and overcome by material that exists within a interstellar trail of light in the far reaches of space. And in a weird twist of irony, the same material can be used to propel a craft into the far reaches of space just enough to complete the mission. The woman who recruits Ryland, Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), knows he is hesitant to take on such a risky mission, that also happens to be a one-way trip… but with the fate of Earth at stake she gives him little choice. Though the flashbacks show him training with others in the intended crew, the bulk of the film is Grace all alone in space, until he meets an unexpected ally – a rock-like alien creature he calls “Rocky”, who shows up in an exotic ship, and eventually is able to communicate with Ryland by way of a computer-assisted voice (provided brilliantly by James Ortiz), who discovers they are both trying to save their respected planets from this foreign material attacking their safety. Grace and Rocky must work together to find an answer before all life is lost, against time and incredible odds.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with PROJECT HAIL MARY, other than what the trailers presented, but the end result is incredibly satisfying and highly entertaining. Co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller always manage to deliver engaging cinema, and the screenplay by Drew Goddard holds your attention and never drags, despite the lengthy two house and 36-minute run time. It’s also impressive since a large portion of the film rests on Ryan Gosling’s solo shoulders, at least until Rocky comes along. Gosling is in top form as the sometimes awkward and insecure school teacher tasked with an unthinkable mission, and one put upon him with no real choice to refuse. His chemistry with James Ortiz (who is excellent) as Rocky is magical and heartwarming. These two characters couldn’t be more different or more desperate, but their unified missions drive the story in a way that works incredibly well. I was reminded of great sci-fi films like SILENT RUNNING, E.T. and even more recent fare like ARRIVAL, and yes, THE MARTIAN, which was also penned by Goddard… but never once feeling like this new movie isn’t doing its own thing and doing it well.
Milana Vayntrub and Ken Leung show up in supporting roles as Grace’s intended crew, but sadly are given limited screentime, probably out of necessity, as this really is Gosling’s showcase. I did enjoy the strong supporting performance from the wonderful Sandra Hüller, who as Eva is a character who is clearly conflicted and determined to do the right thing, but also isn’t beyond putting her feelings aside for the sake of humanity. She is the authority figure needed for the narrative, but a very inspired choice, and she makes the most of her scenes in the film. My only minor complaint is the way the story skips back and forth in time, but I understand why they did it. A more straightforward and linear form of storytelling may have been easier to follow, but starting in the middle and giving the audience reveals through flashback works more often than not, so I admire them for taking those kinds of risks.
PROJECT HAIL MARY is one of the better Science Fiction films to come along in quite a while, and the kind of movie the whole family could experience together and enjoy. It reminded me of the Amblin-era films of the 1980s, very imaginative and engrossing, while also being very funny and sweet with wholesome messages that are never too heavy-handed. There’s a lot of time left this year for movies, but this is already a strong contender for one of the year’s best.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
