Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Ryan Gosling, in outer space. “Project Hail Mary,” a movie adaptation of the best-selling sci-fi novel by Andy Weir, has been topping charts since its release in early March. In less than a month, it has become an unforgettable sci-fi classic, creating a balance between epic special effects and the intimacy of close friendships.
“Project Hail Mary” tells the tale of Dr. Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship lightyears away from home with no recollection of how he got there. As his memory gradually returns, he starts to remember his mission, to stop the “astrophage:” a mysterious microorganism that is causing the sun to die out. As the sole survivor aboard his spacecraft, the Hail Mary, it’s up to him to save the solar system, and an interstellar friendship provides an unexpected solution.
It’s no surprise that “Project Hail Mary” absolutely smashed the sci-fi charts. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film had a gross budget of $248 million and remarkably didn’t use a single green screen in the film. All of the sets were handmade, sometimes using LED displays to create the unique artistry of outer space. The special effects were incredible and intensely realistic, providing for some of the most epic scenes ever witnessed in a dystopian sci-fi movie.
The cast featured popular celebrities and actors such as Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz and Lionel Boyce. Even when working with extraterrestrial and interstellar life, the production team refused to edit in characters and instead created massive puppets, with a single puppet being simultaneously controlled by five puppeteers. The soundtrack, produced and compiled by Daniel Pemberton, contributed to the themes of intimacy and friendship showcased throughout the film. Many reviews have called it the best soundtrack seen in a sci-fi film.
“Project Hail Mary” received intensely positive reviews from viewers and professionals alike. As of April 9, 2026, it has an Internet Movie Database (IMDB) rating of 8.4/10 with 173,000+ ratings, and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%. Most reviews highlight the remarkable visual effects, the closeness of the intergalactic friendship and its uplifting message about last hopes and “Hail Mary’s.”
Viewers claim it’s one of the best book-to-movie adaptations of science fiction in history, and this can be seen in its hundreds of thousands of glowing reviews. Some praise it for the beautiful visuals that showcase the beauty of outer space while packing enough action to remind the viewers why they love cinema. Others believe that the lesson behind it is increasingly relevant in today’s time; As Grace is forced to navigate seemingly impossible challenges with unfathomably high stakes, his newfound friendship proves how even in times of crisis, tools like connection, empathy and compassion are what truly matter most.
Reviews like these make it clear that the message behind “Project Hail Mary” is even more of a masterpiece than its cinematography. Beyond the sparkling effects and educational tidbits, it showcases authentic connection and makes science feel human. Whether looking for movies that make the eyes widen in amazement or make hearts warm with compassion, “Project Hail Mary” is a must-watch.
