Few films in recent release have earned the enthusiastic critical welcome and audience approval that has been accorded Project Hail Mary – and deservedly so. This science fiction story tells of one man’s mission to save the world from destruction. And if that sounds all too familiar to merit a viewing, one should reconsider.
Based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, Drew Goddar’s script opens with scientist Ryland Grace waking from a very long sleep and raging against his predicament. In a series of flashbacks, we learn that Grace has been courted by the very scientific community that he once alienated to undertake a space probe aimed at stopping a mysterious substance from draining the sun of its heat, thereby threatening life on Earth.
In a series of flashbacks, we learn not only how Grace, a reluctant hero, was persuaded to undertake the mission, but also the adventures that followed.
It would be difficult to sum these up in a few sentences without spoiling viewers’ pleasure. It is far better to let things unfold, as they should, with ever more surprising and entertaining developments. Rather, let the viewer enjoy the narrative with its many twists and turns, and above all, its sustained humour.
In this regard, much credit goes not only to directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, but above all to Ryan Gosling. His performance is one which results in a memorable portrait of a man who finds himself in predicament after predicament, in challenging situation after challenging situation, and who meets it all with a wry and engaging comical insouciance.
This is set against a background of fantasy science, which even viewers like myself, who find even the simplest scientific theory impossible to follow, will find diverting and even at times comprehensible.
But ultimately, all that is irrelevant. One goes along with Ryland Grace for the fun of the ride, a ride which constantly surprises with its many developments.
Indeed, if I have any negative criticism of the film, it is that its leaps backwards and forwards in time occur with little to help the viewer understand the context. But in my case, that proved to be fine as it encouraged me to view the film a second time – a viewing which proved to be even more enjoyable than the first.
And for those looking for something more profound in a film with reference to “Hail May” (even though, of course, the reference comes from football), and a character whose last name is Grace, there is indeed a lovely message of acceptance of those who are different from ourselves. It’s a gentle message in a film which challenges one to follow the intricacies of the entertaining plot, while relaying a message of what it means to be fully human.
At times confusing, frequently humourous, and often suspenseful, Project Hail Mary is a cinematic delight and destined to become a classic.
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