Sony Pictures releases Project Hail Mary in UK and Irish cinemas from March 19, 2026 with special previews on March 14 and 15.
Synopsis
Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.
Review
Ryan Gosling delivers a career-best performance, transitioning from a terrified, quiet, but talented teacher stuck in space to a man driven by a desperate, world-saving purpose. His comedic chops balance the heavy scientific exposition perfectly, making complex physics feel like a walk in the park.
While I’d love to go out of my way to avoid spoiling the film’s biggest surprises, the trailers (and even the LEGO set!) give a major part of the movie away. Regardless, the heart of Project Hail Mary lies in the unexpected partnership Grace forms in the depths of space. Grace crosses paths with another spaceship carrying a solo passenger; after some hilarious back-and-forth, they end up working together to solve the mystery of the creatures that are consuming both of their suns. The chemistry between these two lost souls—despite the massive hurdles of language and biology—is profoundly moving. Their growing friendship is so heart-warming and hilarious that it elevates the film far beyond what it could have been had Grace remained alone.
It jumps between the present and the past as Grace’s memories slowly return to him, revealing why he specifically went from a middle-school teacher and shamed theoretical scientist to an astronaut stuck light-years away in deep space trying to save two planets worth of life. The story paces itself brilliantly as it unfolds, serving as a great way to discover the flaws in Grace’s character and why he was chosen.
The visual effects have also been a huge talking point lately, especially with the revelation that no green screens were used during production—and it shows! The ships feel incredibly real and lived-in. The scenes of Grace on his spacewalks carry a genuine fear factor, where one wrong move means certain death. The decision to mostly use practical effects really shines through in the quality and immersion of the film.
Lord and Miller bring their signature kinetic energy to the screen, ensuring that even the densest scientific theories don’t derail the story while maintaining the audience’s full concentration. The way they visualise the mysterious “Petrova line” and the biology of the unknown entity known as the Astrophage is both educational and terrifying.
Project Hail Mary is that rare blockbuster experience that treats its audience as intelligent without falling into condescension. It is openly heartfelt; the bonding between Grace and “Rocky,” and their shared desire to save their respective worlds, is the beating heart of the movie. Ryan Gosling once again proves he is a top tier leading man, capturing a whole range of emotions.
Verdict
Project Hail Mary is an absolute masterclass in both visuals and storytelling by the legendary Lord and Miller. Ryan Gosling delivers one of his best performances to date alongside a talking rock creature who thanks to the voice work of James Ortiz brings a strong friendship to the big screen. The film left me feeling completely satisfied and fulfilled and I will happily place it up in the top contenders for movie of the year 2026.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
