“Project Hail Mary” might be the best sci-fi film released in years. Released March 20, based on the 2021 novel, the movie has become one of the highest grossing films of 2026. Despite having not read the book or knowing much of anything about the film, I was intrigued to watch it after seeing many reviews online claiming it as a masterpiece.
The story follows middle school teacher and former scientist, Ryland Grace, who wakes up alone on a spaceship with amnesia. As Grace slowly gets his memory back, he discovers that he was sent to space to save Earth from “Astrophage,” a microorganism which dims the brightness of stars and could force Earth into an ice age.
The standout element of this film was Grace’s relationship with Rocky, an alien Grace meets in space. The film shows their initial hesitance and their struggles to understand each other, then builds upon it as the story progresses and they become close friends. Their relationship feels special as they were both alone in space and found company in one another.
An additional takeaway detail was the film’s ability to keep my attention throughout its entire 2 hour 36 minute runtime. Despite its length, the movie never felt as if it were dragging the plot, and at no point did I feel bored. There are multiple instances where the film cuts from the present timeline to the past as the story builds, allowing audiences to piece together Grace’s character and what led up to him waking up in space as the story develops. The mystery of Grace’s circumstances fit nicely with the overall plot to tell an engaging story that keeps viewers curious.
The most memorable moments were the scenes that showcased the visuals of the stars and planets which made the audience feel that they were in space too. Along with the visuals of outer space, the spaceship itself was impressive. The whole ship was built as a set, and no green screen was used at all. This allowed for the film to feel grounded despite its surreal settings.
“Project Hail Mary” is the perfect sci-fi movie. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in space, drama or unlikely friendships. With its mix of stunning visuals, good pacing and a captivating story the film will definitely be one of the more notable ones of the year.
Rating: 4.5/5
