If you’re a space admirer, you’ve had a lot to enjoy early on in 2026 through various mediums that explore star faring adventures. Artemis II recently took humans the furthest we’ve ever gone in space on a journey past the moon.

One of the best games out right now in Marathon, is based on a space faring journey of human civilization not too unlike Project Hail Mary the movie, which is out now and portrays protagonist Dr. Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, as he ventures off to a distant space to save humanity.

The movie is an adaptation of Andy Weir’s book by the same title, and it’s a relatively strong approximation of the source material. Of course, given the medium, some changes were required in order to keep viewers engaged throughout the movie’s 2 hour and 36 minute runtime, but directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller hit the soul and essence of the book on-screen.

One change that was immediate and worrying, came about in the opening sequence of Grace awaking from his induced coma. In the movie, Grace adapts to his surroundings very quickly and even learns the major detail of his crew mates within minutes.

In the book, this was parsed out a bit more giving a sense of strain throughout the long journey and Weir added elements of humour to keep readers engaged. The jolting difference had a less impactful effect that could have been maintained had the directors just gone with numerous cuts of Grace waking up several times as he adjusts. It would have also allowed for a more humorous interaction with the ship’s on-board computer setting the tone for the film and maintaining the book’s essence while accommodating for the change in pace.

Despite this change, the movie finds its rails and guides viewers through Grace’s journey. Ryan Gosling absolutely captures the nerdy but funny character of Grace throughout his screen time. Not every joke hits, but it’s often times more fun of a viewing experience than not.

Most of the supporting cast also does well in bringing their characters to life, with the exception of Milana Vayntrub who plays astronaut Olesya Ilyukhina. Perhaps it’s her attachment to the AT&T commercials that make her feel typecast, but her performance in many of her on-screen scenes present awkwardly and her Russian accent falls flat; lacking authenticity and resonance.

Conversely, Sandra Hüller is the perfect personification of Project Hail Mary’s director Eva Stratt that was envisioned in my mind’s eye. She’s a humorous hard-nosed stalwart that cares about the fate of humanity.

Her resolve brings about the ethical debate of if the ends justify the means, which in turn reveals Grace’s morals prior to embarking on the journey and how they evolve towards the end of the journey.

Throughout Grace’s journey we’re treated to breathtaking cinematography. There’s several moments throughout the movie that provide beautifully lit and colourfully rich scenes. Keeping within spoiler-free bounds, the two that stood out the most are the fishing scene and the gift scene.

The mission’s hardships accompanied with dazzling colours of green and gold are a visual treat for the viewer. Both of these scenes are also accompanied by an amazing score that elevates the ethereal experience of the movie in those moments. Regrettably, the movie does not have an IMAX viewing which is a crime that should be rectify with a future release.

In terms of the mission’s stakes they’re explained in easily comprehensible science terms. Nothing is too complex and there’s even an “explain it like I’m five” moment that ensures all viewers are on board.

The directors also do a solid job in showing how Grace comes about to his conclusions visually. Many of those scenes are also coupled with funny quips and jokes that keep the audience engaged and focused on what’s being discussed.

Whether you’ve read the book or not, Project Hail Mary is a heartfelt and riveting space experience for fans and newcomers alike that maintains the essence of Weirs’ book.

4/5 stars