In 'Project Hail Mary,' the new science-fiction film based on Andy Weir's 2021 novel, the sun is dying, and Earth's only chance for survival is a reluctant sixth-grade science teacher. The belief that 'maybe the future isn't something to be afraid of, maybe it's just something to figure out' drew actor Ryan Gosling to the role of Ryland Grace.
'I was so grateful just as a father to get to make a story for my kids [and their generation] that kind of reminds you of what we're capable of as human beings,' Gosling said to Jason and Travis Kelce on their 'New Heights' podcast. The positive possibilities achievable through science are central to Weir's novel and the film's direction by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Lord told Scientific American that science 'can be used in a way that's hopeful and optimistic about the future.'
Plot and Character Development
In the opening scene, Grace wakes up on a spaceship 11.9 million light-years from Earth after a multi-year, medically induced coma. His two crewmates are dead, and he doesn't remember who he is or the purpose of his mission. He doesn't even know that he is Earth's last hope. Astrophage, a star-eating organism, is dimming the sun and threatening all life on the planet. It has also infected every star in neighboring systems except one. Grace's mission is to visit that galaxy and figure out why this star is immune so he can save the sun and Earth.
Using flashbacks, the movie shows how Grace, a molecular biologist turned middle school teacher, is tapped by the dry-witted Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller) to help unravel the mystery of Astrophage and create an alternative fuel source. The catch: there's not enough Astrophage to return, making it a one-way trip.
Gosling's Performance and Alien Friendship
Grace is both an unlikely and reluctant hero, and Gosling shines with raw charm and glasses, capturing the flaws of a disruptive scientist turned teacher turned astronaut. As Grace says, 'I put the 'not' in astronaut.' His humor and self-preservation make him a protagonist worth rooting for. Grace becomes even more likable after befriending Rocky, an alien who also wants to stop Astrophage from destroying his home planet. Their relationship adds emotional depth and humor.
Rocky was brought to life by puppeteer James Ortiz, who also voiced the character, avoiding full CGI. This realism fosters chemistry, making it easy to suspend disbelief and get sucked into the story of an odd friendship saving two planets. It gives 'Project Hail Mary' a Spielbergian essence that appeals to kids.
Scientific Grounding and Emotional Impact
Weir is known for grounding stories in real science without density, and Drew Goddard's script achieves balance, making the plot accessible and substantiated. In the climactic moment, when the pair get a shot to save their worlds, it feels achievable. Science offers the same hope to viewers as it did for readers, which is the film's ultimate achievement.
'Project Hail Mary' is the kind of movie to see on the big screen with an audience gasping, laughing, and crying. After the credits, you'll want to talk about it on the way home. Thanks to Gosling's charm, cinematic scale, funny dialogue, and his touching relationship with Rocky, you'll almost certainly recommend it. Most importantly, it offers a story of hope in a dark time.
'Project Hail Mary' is now streaming on Prime Video. This article originally ran when the film hit theaters in March.
