In 2021, author Andy Weir published “Project Hail Mary,” a science fiction novel about middle school science teacher Ryland Grace who wakes up in space with no memory of how he got there. The novel stood out in the realm of science fiction due to its scientific accuracy, likeable characters and witty writing.
Before the novel was published, MGM acquired the rights for a film adaptation with Ryan Gosling set to star and produce. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, known for their work on The Spiderverse films and “The Lego Movie,” were attached to direct.
Years later in 2026, an official trailer was released, and reactions were largely positive with comments praising Gosling’s acting and the visual effects, but drew some criticism from book readers for supposedly spoiling the introduction of alien life. On Mar. 20, 2026, the film was released in theaters.
For starters, the scenes are beautiful to look at, with Lord and Miller utilizing a hybrid method of practical and CGI effects but ultimately favoring practical effects. Throughout the duration of the movie, no green screens are used, but instead LED screens, dark backgrounds and practical lighting were used to bring the space visuals to life.
In addition, the titular ship, The Hail Mary, was a fully constructed set that was mounted on a gimbal to make the movement more realistic. These effects are only amplified by cinematographer Greig Fraser, whose credits include “The Batman” and “Dune,” delivering some of his best work.
In the realm of science fiction films that lean on the side of depressing, “Project Hail Mary” offers up something different: a sweet film about the friendship between a man and a rock spider.
It’s hard to talk about “Project Hail Mary” without talking about its best cast member: Rocky. The alien rock spider is a puppet handled by a team of fifty and voiced by James Ortiz. He provides Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, companionship during the course of his mission. He is funny, incredibly endearing and absolutely adorable.Throughout their time together the audience is shown how Ryan Gosling can have chemistry with anyone or anything, whether it be Emma Stone or a rock.
Without him, the film would be a depressing story about a man who does not remember anything about his life trying to save the world. Rocky not only brings a sense of companionship he brings necessary emotional depth and heart to the story.
In short, “Project Hail Mary” is a cinematic event that is worth taking a trip to the theater to see.
