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Project Hail Mary

Halfway through reading Andy Weir’s thrilling novel Project Hail Mary, I knew it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling. Weir’s previous tome, THE MARTIAN, was developed into a smash-hit starring Matt Damon, and the author instantly became a proven commodity. PROJECT HAIL MARY blended hard science with an engaging story (like THE MARTIAN), while also injecting heavy doses of humor. As much as I loved the book, I was terrified of what would happen when it eventually made its way to the big screen. There was one character that I thought would be impossible to bring to life, yet the story could not be told without them.

This is one of those moments where I am elated to be wrong, because I am here to tell you that the cinematic adaptation of PROJECT HAIL MARY is a stunning example of the magic of movies. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (THE LEGO MOVIE) and starring an absolutely pitch-perfect Ryan Gosling, Weir’s unfilmable story is a wonder to behold.

When schoolteacher Ryland Grace (Gosling) wakes up alone and unable to speak in an unfamiliar place, he has no idea where he is, or even who he is. Panic sets in and it isn’t until he begins exploring his surroundings that he discovers that he is in a spacecraft. His only companions are robotic medical units and an AI system that feeds him information. There were two other humans on board, but when he finds them, they have already perished. With no recollection of who they were or why he is aboard the ship, he begins exercising his brain in hopes of jogging his memory.

Through flashbacks, we learn that Earth is in peril. The sun is dimming due to an infrared line that connects the sun to Venus. This dimming will bring an ice age to our planet within 30 years unless humanity can find a way to solve the problem. European Space Agency administrator Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller) is tasked with assembling the best and brightest minds across the globe in hopes of finding a resolution to the crisis. This includes Grace, who is a former molecular biologist.

Grace’s memories slowly return, and, due to the deaths of the other two crew members, understands that humanity’s survival is completely dependent on him. Thankfully, he will soon have a little help from a very unlikely source.

When the 2016 Golden Globe nominations were announced, it was not a surprise that Ridley Scott’s adaptation of THE MARTIAN was nominated for Best Picture. It was, however, surprising that it was in the Comedy or Musical category. If (and when) PROJECT HAIL MARY receives its much deserved nomination, the fact that it will be alongside other comedies will not be a surprise. While the subject matter is heavy, the film will likely emerge as one of (if not THE) funniest films of the year. Gosling is masterful in his art of delivery, dropping countless hilarious moments throughout. His portrayal of the affable Grace instantly places him atop the early discussions for best performance of the year, and will be the standard to which all other turns are compared. Effortlessly exuding humor, hubris, humility, and humanity, he is the perfect star to carry this beautiful blockbuster.

While green screens are now utilized in virtually every facet of filmmaking in the modern cinematic landscape, Lord and Miller opted for practical special effects. Considering this is a tale that unfurls in space, it was a risky approach. Yet, the gamble was certainly worth it. PROJECT HAIL MARY has an intangible authenticity that just feels different. You can sense the love, devotion, and desire to create something special with every scene, resulting in the rare Hollywood productions that combines brains, beauty, and art to emerge as one of the best films of the year.