The movie “Project Hail Mary” rated PG-13 stars Ryan Gosling as a 6th-grade science teacher, Ryland Grace, whose former career was a researcher who studied the molecular basis of biological activity. He wakes up in outer space in a spaceship, with no idea how he got there. What’s comical, he says, “What, why me, I can’t even moonwalk!” We soon find out he’s been in an amnesiac coma and now needs to figure out a way back to his home.
Photo credit: Jonathan Olley
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We view Ryland protesting as he says, “Where am I?” Vaguely, he recalls what’s gone wrong back on earth. Microscopic black particles called astrophage are devouring the energy of the stars, including the sun. Earth will then enter a new ice age in about 30 years. We view a serious German commander, Eva (Sandra Huller, who sent a three-person international crew to the Tau Ceti solar system, the only place in the galaxy that is positively defending itself from the plague. The key is to send a team on a one-way mission, of which she’s already done; two of the astronauts aboard died earlier than planned. Ryland Grace was not supposed to be aboard the mission, yet he’s now in out-space and very much alive.
Andy Weir, the author of the 2021 book “Project Hail Mary,” is the basis for the film. “The Martian” (2015), starring Matt Damon, is another great outer-space film based on a book by Andy Weir.
The great thing about “Project Hail Mary” is that Ryland makes friends with a space creature with whom he can communicate. At times, we even see them hugging each other. The space creature appears as a large, five-legged spider about the size of a monkey, with a body like rock or concrete. Their communication with each other is comical as ‘Rocky’ now becomes Ryland’s friend. They both teach each other about their planet, and communicate using a computer. The story is creative and fun to view, with a few twists and turns.
Ryan Gosling shines in this film, delivering an unforgettable performance over its captivating 2 hours and 30 minutes. His remarkable ability to connect with a rock is both entertaining and impressive! He truly deserves an Academy Award nomination for his outstanding talent. Don’t miss this incredible experience in space and his amazing preformance.
Sarah Knight Adamson March 27, 2026
Hollywood 360 Radio Review will post after my broadcast tonight.