There are some films that are just meant to be seen on the big screen. “Project Hail Mary” is not only meant to be watched in the theater; it begs to be seen on the biggest screen you can find.
Based on Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name, “Project Hail Mary” follows scientist Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling), who wakes up on an interstellar space station with two dead crewmates, severe memory loss and in dire need of a haircut. As he slowly regains his memories through a series of flashbacks, we learn that alien organisms called astrophages began eating all the stars in the galaxy, including the Sun. Cast out into the middle of space to find a solution to save Earth, Ryland finds himself alone and hopeless, until he meets Rocky, an alien, rock-like creature with the same mission.
The cinematography within this film is out of this world. Helmed by Greig Fraser, who was also the cinematographer for the “Dune” franchise and “The Batman” (2022), “Project Hail Mary” is incredibly bright for a movie that takes place in the middle of space. The shots are fluid, varied and showcase the cramped interior of the spacecraft against the vastness of space outside. Even in the space scenes, nothing is ever too dark, a problem often seen in many other modern films. Perhaps the greatest showcase of the cinematography is in a long sequence towards the end of the movie, when Ryland and Rocky discover a planet they nickname “Adrian,” which is lit up in vivid blues and greens, and shifts colors like the northern lights.
The characters are another highlight, considering that there are only two main ones. Gosling’s Ryland Grace is both hilarious and deeply sad at the same time, and made me laugh just as much as he made me tear up. He is complex, quick and feels effortlessly real. His collection of nerdy science t-shirts, which he wears throughout the film, only made me like him more and more. Rocky, his alien companion, voiced by James Ortiz, steals every scene he is in. The incredible puppetry used to bring the character to life is refreshing, after seeing many sci-fi and fantasy films of the past few decades turn to CGI to create alien characters. Ortiz’s voice acting as the robotic translated voice of Rocky is funny, adorable and excitable, but can hold a depth of emotion that took me by surprise by the end of the film. Together, Ryland and Rocky build a buddy comedy between a man and a sentient rock like never seen before.
There are many incredible things about this film, from the witty writing, the detailed sets and the tight directing, to the complex performances of the entire cast. But for me, the real hero of “Project Hail Mary” is Daniel Pemberton, who has created one of the most gorgeous film scores I have heard in recent memory. Pemberton somehow crafts the miraculously small moments of connection between Ryland and Rocky, to the vast and beautiful expanse of space, all through music. Every track is varied, with some pieces big and beautiful, and others downright strange at points. For example, in one pivotal scene, the main musical instrument that creates the melody is a wood block. Other sounds include body percussion like clapping and stomping, a glass harmonica and a literal squeaky tap. It all comes together to create a breathtaking score that often left me wanting to close my eyes and enjoy the music, if not for the stunning visuals that accompanied it.
“Project Hail Mary” is unlike any sci-fi film I have ever seen. It is full of heart, humor and a deep seated love for humanity. At times bleak and bittersweet, it always turns back to its hopeful, joyous spirit, making for a light and buoyant film that left me feeling full of joy at the world around us. A movie worth all the hype and praise it has already garnered, “Project Hail Mary” is a film that can be enjoyed by everyone, preferably on the big screen, for all to view its wonderment.
