- Date of Release: 20 March 2026 (In India From 27th March 26)
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Language: English
- Watch On: Theatres Only
Project Hail Mary
Introduction
The early themes of solitude in the new English film Project Hail Mary can easily be extended to films like First Man (2018) and The Martian (2015; its book also written by Andy Weir, the writer of the novel here), particularly given how its protagonist remains the sole survivor in outer space. Almost immediately, the cold open validates this statement when you are introduced to Dr Grace (Ryan Gosling), a seemingly underdog of a character suffering from retrograde amnesia who suddenly wakes up in a spaceship light years away from earth. It remains an interesting premise that is filled with mystery given how the viewers are acquainted with the protagonist and his mission through a series of flashbacks that coincide with his ability to gain his memory. The tone surprisingly remains light and frothy, cutting through the seriousness of the deadly situation in hand, something that adds a fresh dimension to the proceedings. It is clear that Grace isn’t your alpha-male from Dhurandhar who would go onto to conquer another planet if he gets a chance. In fact just as his name suggests, there is grace in his demeanor that peeps through his personality with a whiff of humour in the darkest of situations.
Story & Screenplay
Based on a novel of the same name by Andy Weir and written for the screen by Drew Goddard, one of the core conflicts established in Project Hail Mary (a metaphor for a low probability, high stakes mission) is itself a novel set-piece in the sci-fi genre. The idea of the sun dimming which in turn would reduce life on the earth is a believable phenomena from a climactic point of view. But the manner in which the world stands today, it is increasingly hard to believe on how all nations would work together for it. Hence an early theme of universal brotherhood is injected while tackling the latter, a phenomena that sees all nations working together for a common cause.
I would also like to include the choice of setting to establish the concept in play. In a scene, you see Dr Grace, a molecular biologist doubling up as a teacher, addressing a classroom of young kids to whom he imparts the concept of the Petrova Line, and a microorganism called the Astrophage which is impacting the temperature of the sun. It always felt like a meta-setting of sorts wherein the viewers would substitute the children to understand the concept in simple terms – almost reminiscent of the online teaching classes doing the rounds lately. And this leads to the eventual establishment of Project Hail Mary, a suicide mission featuring folks who would be handpicked to visit Tau Ceti – the only star that remains undimmed by the Astrophage.
It is interesting on how the writing doesn’t wish to be focused on the survival mission in space. Rather, it wishes to say something even bigger with its premise. Therefore, it is hardly surprising on how a suicide mission transforms into a form of a rebirth for the protagonist at the start – who is seen crawling out of a cacoon. And while the concept of solitude is in play, it is the recurring theme of universal brotherhood that again makes its way to the narrative – this time in the form of a rock-like friendly ‘alien’ called Rocky (James Ortiz) with whom Grace forms a warm bond with.
The initial events between Grace and Rocky reminded me of the equation Rohit and Jaadu shared in Koi Mil Gaya (2003) – a form of communication that is filled with gibberish sounds and gestures, but fruitful in the larger context of the drama. Both Grace and Rocky are essentially similar personalities in play – lonely in space while their crew is dead. In fact, they do bond over their previous relationships, with Grace even volunteering to name the planet ‘Tau Ceti e’ circling the star as ‘Adrian’ – a homage to Rocky’s love. In the same breath, the homage to the English film Rocky (1976) could not have been any sweeter! In a scene, you also humourously but affectionately see Rocky watching Grace sleep, even as in a string of other scenes, you witness Grace beginning to understand the language of Rocky. If understanding the other perspective and language isn’t universal brotherhood, then what is?
I thoroughly enjoyed the structure of the screenplay that was designed to start and end mini-arcs for the protagonist. For instance in a scene from the past, you almost learn on how reluctant Grace is on entering the mission following a mishap, a trait that could be associated with cowardice. But the same arc is completed in the current timeline when Rocky calls him ‘brave’. In another scene from the past, you see Grace flirting with the idea of death only for him to be at peace with it. Even a character like Eva Stratt (Sandra Huller) is shown to be someone who wishes people like Grace to sacrifice himself for the larger good of the people, a trait that the latter completes in a finale that is moving.
I found myself increasingly emotional witnessing the bond between Rocky and Grace, two unknown entities who had virtually no chances of meeting in the universe. And it made me think of so many folks around me whom I may have stumbled on, but have had such a profound impact on my life (the reverse may or may not be true). It also made me reminiscent of my closed ones (who aren’t with me now) who may still exist in some form or the other in this universe, separated by fate but almost always connected in thought. But more so, it has reaffirmed the fact that all of us are mere specks of dust in this universe – so why are we indulging in war and hatred? Universal Brotherhood may come at the cost of perceptions to begin with, but it is a beautiful universe of its own – just like Rocky and Grace who left me teary eyed on multiple occasions.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues strike the right balance between being quirky and profound – be it Grace calling the ‘not’ in the ‘astronaut’, or the beautifully funny or heartfelt exchanges between him and his bro-alien-mance with Rocky. The BGM perfectly transports you into an alien ‘space’ with a soundtrack that isn’t inclined to provide you the highs, but is committed to providing you a realistic atmosphere. For instance, the use of ‘white noise’ at pivotal moments elevates the impact of the drama. And yet, there is a mesmerizing charm which is represented by softer tones of heartfelt proportions.
The cinematography is incredibly good here, comprising of frames that feel claustrophobic at a few instances, to wonderfully insinuating the bond between the two protagonists. The drama oscillates tight frames and mid-level shots that increasingly allow for an immersive experience, whilst always providing room to stay emotionally connected with the characters. The use of colours to portray the alien parts of space is beautiful too, almost creating an alternate world for you to experience. And coupled with a brilliant bout of VFX, the drama looks fascinating as ever, something that deserves an IMAX watch (unsure if it will release in IMAX in India due to the Dhurandhar wave).
The editing pattern may have been tricky on paper, particularly with the non-linear narrative style in play. But the way the edit completes smaller arcs within the bigger one, is simply brilliant to witness here. This, while the emotional core is never lost in translation between the two timelines.
The director duo of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller absolutely hit it out of the park here (with a minor tonal deviation of opting for humour as a release point as opposed to the serious undertones in the novel). There were a few interesting choice in play – like opting for a non-linear storytelling structure, or even an unfamiliar editing style designed to complete mini arcs along the way. But the biggest victory lay in how the emotional core of the drana transcended beyond the screen. And this had more to do with how the filmmakers handled the two protagonists, almost originating them from the same mould. The idea of focusing on a messaging for the greater good of humanity across the galaxies was far more effective than a self-centered space mission to save mankind. Keeping all of this in mind, the direction is stellar in every sense of the word!
Performances
The performances are incredible by the members of the cast. Sandra Huller as Eva Stratt is understated with her act in a character that doesn’t emote easily while riding on a wave of emotions beneath the surface. In a scene when you witness her saying on how population from Earth would vanish in the next three decades, even as the nations would refuse to work with each other – you get the sentiment which is the closest to reality today. But even then, she keeps her vulnerable side under check in what remains a stoic act of the highest order.
James Oritz voicing Rocky is adorable here. His voice adds flesh to a VFX rock, while forcing me to sob at various instances here. There is a touch of humour extracted from the curiosity of his character, while also contributing to several heartfelt moments that will literally make your heart melt, or even break in a million pieces.
Ryan Gosling as Dr Grace is just like his name – he adds a lot of grace to his character. There is a hint of quirk that is a steady connecting tissue for his character, an important trait that always keeps the drama afloat without getting melodramatic at any instance. And yet, there is also a softer side of masculinity that he exhibits during his equation with Rocky, a tender streak of gentle bromance that is heartwarming in equal measures. Ryan perfectly uses his body language and largely a poker face, to lure you in with the emotions in play, while putting forth a brilliant act that will make you laugh and cry with him.
Conclusion
Project Hail Mary is a mesmerizing space drama tackling themes of friendship and universal brotherhood that makes for a brilliant watch like no other. It is fuzzy, heartwarming, and immersive – perhaps the best movie that I may have watched this year. And in times when the world is divided with hatred, this movie acts as a reminder for the larger context of things in play in this beautiful home that we call ‘The Universe’. Available in a theatre near you and Highly Highly Recommended!