The Wasteland Reviewer

Project Hail Mary (2026) Written Review

Are you ready for the next great science fiction epic? Audiences have only been treated to a few sci-fi films like this since the turn of the 21st century. Christopher Nolan grabbed the audience’s attention and imagination with his epic Interstellar. Denis Villeneuve and the arrival of Dune sparked that same type of response. The focus certainly has been on hyping up Dune Part 3 later this year, but the creative forces of Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Drew Goddard, and Andy Weir might have stolen that thunder way early in the calendar year. Coming to a big screen near you this month of March…Project Hail Mary. 

How does Weir’s beloved novel translate to the big screen? This is a fascinating story about one man who is called upon to be the last hope for humanity to fight off a new entity who feeds on the sun. This scientist finds himself on a spaceship deep into space with no one left to help. An unexpected friendship with an alien being brings hope to accomplish this impossible mission.  Goddard leverages his impressive skills for story structure, humor, and character to this screenplay. Structurally, Goddard plays around with the linear elements of the narrative. When Dr. Ryland Grace awakens on this ship, he lacks the memory of how he got there (and his colleagues are already dead to begin with). Throughout the film, Goddard drops in perfectly timed flashbacks (or memories) which fleshes out the narrative context while building character, and a sense of mystery. Grace is a fascinating character and so is Eva Stratt, the woman who recruited him on this “go-for-broke” mission. The film finds intriguing ways to build drama and tension through misfortunes along the way. The script is quite sharp from a humor standpoint. The film is about hope, rising to the occasion, and finding your purpose and worth. There is a great story about friendship, building bridges, and collaboration. Project Hail Mary is a triumphant story with plenty of heart and hope that will inspire. 

Does the team Lord & Miller bring the right vibe in the direction of the film? This just might be this duo’s masterpiece. Their sensibilities combine with those of Goddard and Weir to bring a fully realized vision to life. First off, there is plenty of great humor that leverages sharp editing, the natural charisma and comedic timing of the cast, and sharp dialogue to deliver plenty of laughs over this epic runtime. There are plenty of harrowing and thrilling moments as well from the opening shocks on the ship to the incredible climactic mission that is certainly dangerous beyond belief. The laughs and thrills aren’t enough as there are some truly powerful moments of emotion as Grace reckons with his connection to his new friend, the existential dread of such a mission, and the internal struggle to find one’s bravery. The film also moves so well for such a large runtime. The visual experience of the film is a great mixture of hand-held cameras that gives it an intimacy along with the rich, grainy feel of the visuals. The film has a vintage and rich palette that makes it feel like good old-fashioned Hollywood filmmaking. The special effects are downright mind-blowing. The effects that bring Rocky (the rock-based alien lifeform) and his ship to life are some of the best you will see in a long time. Greig Fraser is quickly becoming a premiere cinematographer with his work on The Batman and Dune with him outdoing himself with Project Hail Mary. The perfect accent to the whole experience is the big, bold, beautiful, and bombastic score from Daniel Pemberton. The rich textures of the compositions bring this film to life powerfully. 

How does Ryan Gosling and the rest of the cast fare? Gosling is a revelation. There are so many layers to his performance as Gosling crafts a well-rounded and complicated character. From the start, we witness his impressive physicality through physical humor. Some of those trademarked shrieks he does hit hard too. There are a few key moments where we witness his being overcome with emotion and they deliver tenfold. Gosling’s ability to modulate his emotions feels effortless and is quite impressive. There is a playful vibe to Grace as well in many key moments and Gosling’s earnestness certainly delivers there. Sandra Huller is a revelation as Stratt with her dry, German affect. Her ability to sell all this sharp dialogue so perfectly is something to behold. There is a key moment where she lets loose a bit that moves you so deeply. Towards the end of the film, you get to see some of those represented feelings boiling up so effectively. You have Rocky, the alien friend of Grace who has a robotic voice through a computer. James Ortiz had the perfect voice. His performance captures the vibrant personality hidden behind the perfectly designed rock/spider being that Rocky is. The combination of Gosling and Ortiz makes you fall so deeply for these friends that grow throughout the film (which is the true heart of the story). 

Is Project Hail Mary truly this good? Lord & Miller’s new film is truly great…and special. Few science fiction films have captured this level of entertainment, wonder, and emotion. Your jaw will drop when you look upon some of the visuals and design present in the film. You will laugh and cry. You will cheer. This is the bold, crowd-pleasing film that audiences need in 2026.