Rare in the science fiction genre is the film that features a more empathetic approach to the end of the world as humankind knows it. It usually starts with doom and gloom and has a singular heroic alpha male swoop in and save the day (and earth along with it). Project Hail Mary is not that kind of film, and it is more entertaining because of its departure from the norm.
Intentionally disorienting from its opening scene. It takes you mid-film and then stretches out in both directions from there. You are introduced to a bearded and dishevelled Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), surrounded by technology that is a mystery to him. As his wits return, he discovers he is alone and on a spaceship in the outer regions of the universe.
As the non-linear storyline progresses, you discover Ryland was at one time a lowly high school science teacher during a time of an impending cataclysmic event. The Earth’s Sun is being attacked and drained of its power by an alien organism, and he is an expert in the field. His aw-shucks nature puts him at odds with the scientific community, but his innate genius causes them to begrudgingly accept him into the fold.
To comment further on the storyline would rob the viewer of the upcoming surprises and blunt the joy of discovery. The departure from the traditional hero narrative remains and reinforces the sense that there is greatness in opening your mind to the plight of others. Using Andy Weir’s 2021 science fiction novel of the same name as source material, this cinematic take stays true to Weir’s sensibilities if not his actual words.
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