Written by Mason Stannard-Parages, edited by Sonia Naorozy

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Project Hail Mary is a comedy-laced, sci-fi thriller with a soft centre of feel-good friendships, under the hard exterior of Earth’s imminent extinction. It is a film that carries the weight of the world within its delicate balance of sacrifice and salvation. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller gift us a new narrative of space and the vast expanse of the unknown, distancing itself from intergalactic politics, war and fear, and instead leaves the aftertaste of hope and the promise of a new future. There is no doubt that Lord and Miller recognises the terrors of what lies outside of our universe, but they explore it through a lens that shows the beauty and mysticism of the great beyond.

We follow a molecular biologist-turned-schoolteacher, Dr Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) who is the unwilling scientist sent up to space on a way mission to find out how to save Earth, whose sun is slowly being dimmed by a parasitic alien-life labelled Astrophage. Amongst his struggles to regain his memory, after waking up alone on the ship, and adjusting to his new life in space, he makes an unlikely companionship with an alien who has left its own home for the same reason: salvation. Humanity and companionship are evoked from the threat of extinction, pulling two lives from opposite sides of the universe together. 

Despite the film only being released in March 2026, it seems that the consensus for many is that Andy Weir’s film adaptation of his hit sci-fi novel may be the best film of the year. Only recently was it disclosed that the puppeteer for Rocky, James Ortiz, ‘will be submitted for supporting actor’ at the Oscars. A very promising start, with many fans of the film hopeful that it will continue to get the recognition it deserves. Project Hail Mary has already broken two Guiness World Record’s upon its release a month ago. It is the only film to be shown in the stratosphere; ‘it has achieved the Guinness World Record title for the highest altitude IMAX film trailer, measured at 31,058 m (101,896 ft)’ (IMAX releases Project Hail Mary in the Stratosphere! – Critical popcorn). Also, it holds the records for tallest height a Lego set has been suspended in air from, with Grace, his ship and alien companion Rocky floating ‘their way up until 114,790 ft (34,988 m) above Gwynedd County, UK, on 20 March. That’s nearly a 22 mi (35 km)-long journey’  (Bricks and spaceships: a ‘Project Hail Mary’ LEGO minifig has made it to space | Guinness World Records). The marketing for the film has truly been note-worthy, with the official website having a link to a live YouTube video where people from across the globe could come together to watch Rocky sleep, as Gizmodo reports, ‘A new, two-plus-hour YouTube video was just uploaded that allows us to help our alien friend while listening to the entirety of Daniel Pemberton’s wonderful score’. A beautiful way to bring people together, especially when you find out that Eridians (Rocky’s species) watch each other sleep as a form of protection and care.

Ryan Gosling’s loveable character, with scruffy hair, comfortable sweaters and glasses that have a tendency to not be worn properly makes us immediately gravitate towards him. His awkward, shy nature and sudden forced heroism makes him not only a figure of pathos, but one that is easy to connect to. We are given the reality of sacrifice, instead from a hero who is immediately assumed to be at peace with death. Grace shows us the devastation that is what being a hero means. It means certain death and never going home. Not everyone has the bravery to accomplish this.

The intricate weaving between his naturally smart and scientific brain with the comedic establishment that he really is just a teacher in space, experiencing what he has only taught in academia, makes his reactions to such things like anti-gravity and aliens even more entertaining to watch. From Gosling’s previous films, Drive to Barbie and now Project Hail Mary, his capacity to make his characters resonate with the audience is truly spectacular, and his ability to play vulnerability and raw human emotions made the film gut-wrenching at times, and simultaneously hilarious to witness. And, if I may say so, Gosling has never looked more cosy and charming than when he is wearing lopsided glasses and t-shirts with science puns on them.

Ryland Grace, alone on his space craft, is not so alone in the grander picture. Rocky (James Otriz), whose appearance, as the name suggests, looks like a rock, makes for the best companion a human could ask for. With their combined intellect, the two make a steadfast friendship that is incredibly endearing to watch. The implicit reference to Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival is seen when Grace attempts to communicate with Rocky, their limited words making for an amusing montage, and Rocky’s automated voice makes every line delivered just as comical. The witty, bossy and kind-hearted alien was the true star of the show, with his quirky remarks and irregular mode of speech, making Rocky incredibly charismatic – a character for everyone to fall in love with.

The film cleverly balances the fear of extinction, mathematics of space/biology, and foundations of life, as well as the comedy of an unlikely friendship and its tense, rising fear and devastation when Rocky’s life is at risk. Ryland Grace goes from running away from heroism, unable to risk his life for humanity, to sacrificing his life for Rocky, a testament to their relationship. To add to the mountainous reasons as to why this film is perfect, the visuals were out-of-this-world stunning. The colouring of the planet Adrian, with its vivid greens and oranges in the overwhelming nothingness of space brings you out of your seat, floating alongside Grace, and when he flips the switch to see the Petrova line it was like nothing ever seen before. The practical effects used only make the moment more captivating, and the music, supplied by Daniel Pemberton, truly encapsulates the scene as memorable and breathtaking. 

I have never experienced an entire cinema in utter silence and reverence than when I went to watch the film for the first time. We all laughed with every punchline landing, we were the edge of our seats when Grace was collecting the samples from Adrian, we cried when Rocky sacrificed himself for Grace, and again when Grace sacrifices going home for Rocky. I would say that Project Hail Mary is a rare case of the directors giving the people what they want in terms of a fulfilling ending. No death, no war, no extinction, just life being reason. Earth is saved, the world keeps moving, and Grace finds himself at home, on Erid, with Rocky. Project Hail Mary showcases a true rarity in media: a hopeful story, and one that is absolutely amaze amaze amaze!

Experience Project Hail Mary at the Student Cinema tonight (01/05/26)! Tickets can be found on the Warwick SU website: https://www.warwicksu.com/venues-events/events/4273/28473/ (6:30pm) https://www.warwicksu.com/venues-events/events/4273/28474/ (9:30pm)