Project Hail Mary: A Religious Experience at the Cinema

 


Project Hail Mary follows Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) on a mission to save Earth by stopping a substance that is killing the sun. While on this journey Grace forms an unexpected friendship with an alien named Rocky (James Ortiz) who is also trying to save his planet from the sun-killing substance.

Project Hail Mary checks about every box you're looking for in a film. It has likable characters, an interesting story, humor, effortless charm, stunning visuals, gravitas, etc. This movie strikes the challenging balance of serious and comedic moments. Important story moments aren't undercut by cheap laughs. You're given equal space to laugh or cry depending on what's happening. 

Unsurprisingly, a key reason why Project Hail Mary works is the star of the film. Gosling is a versatile actor and he gives a great performance. Not many actors can carry movies where they are often the only actual person on screen. While on this subject I must mention how the dynamic between Grace and Rocky is the strongest aspect of Project Hail Mary. I don't want to give anything away, but you'll see what I'm talking about.

The cinematography found in Project Hail Mary is outstanding. You feel like you're really in space and the images of the cosmos are breathtaking. On the flip side, the scariness of being in space is also conveyed effectively. 

In a time where we're bombarded with doom and gloom on a daily basis, I believe that a film like Project Hail Mary is important. Sure, it's about a heavy subject. The sun dying out isn't too cheerful. However, Project Hail Mary contains crucial themes around hope, friendship, belonging, perseverance, and purpose. All this to say that you'll feel lifted up by this movie.

Rating:


Green Light

This is a movie to watch in theaters

Project Hail Mary   157 minutes    PG-13    In theaters



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