Year: 2026

Watched: March 2026

Favorite Character: Ryland Grace

Rating: 4/5

Thoughts and Praise: I read the book this movie is based on a couple of years ago, and I'm a big fan of Andy Weir's other epic book + movie duo, The Martian, so I was super excited to see this. It was good it's been a while since I've read the book, so I could go into this without comparing every little detail. Overall, I think the movie is a great adaptation, and I was not at all disappointed.

Where the Martian was about the collective working together to save one man, Project Hail Mary is about one man working to save the collective. As far as the story goes, it's a LOT lighter on the science-y side of things than the book. I think this was a great choice for the film adaptation, because it's able to focus more on the relationship between Grace and Rocky, which is the heart and soul of the story. I loved every moment between them; they perfectly struck the balance with the humor and the deep regard those two have for each other. Ryan Gosling does a great portrayal of Ryland Grace, and I also enjoyed the ensemble cast of the before-times.

I also have to praise how beautiful the movie is as well. They did two important things, which I think go a LONG way in making the cinematic media shine - practical sets wherever possible, and shooting on film - or in this case, emulating it. I also really hate the aesthetic style that's been popular in earth-adjacent scifi. (Think white, sleek and pristine tech with a touch screen in every corner.) I was happy to see that although it is present here and there, it isn't overdone. Most of spaceship is filled to the brim with panels, buttons, flashing lights, and reminders of earth. Bright colors are abound inside and out. It feels like a fun and wonderful place to be, and it makes it easy to feel the joy in the movie.

Criticism: This movie is long (2 hours and 45 minutes). I don't think it necessarily feels that long. The first and second acts felt perfectly paced to me, and the before-times flashbacks were well placed. However, the third act felt a bit rushed to me, which made it just slightly miss on the emotional beats, in my opinion. I don't think the film should be longer, and I wouldn't sacrifice anything from the other two acts to add more to the third. Translating the depth of Grace's internal struggle from page to screen may just be an impossible feat.