5/5
Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s film adaptation of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary hit theaters, March 20, and has been met with raving reviews from critics and audiences alike. Upon seeing the stunning movie poster with Ryan Gosling’s glorious face, I used my last AMC A-List pass of the week to go see the movie the day after its release. Immediately after watching it, the film became an instant favorite of mine—so much so that I went back to see it for a second time the same week.
Without spoiling the plot, the best way I can describe the movie is a blend of the best parts of Interstellar (2014) and E.T. (1982). The film delves into themes of purpose, friendship, and sacrifice while still balancing moments of tasteful humor. The development of the main character throughout the story reflects the internal battles with self-confidence that come with trying to find one’s purpose in life, a message that I found especially touching as I look toward my own future. Gosling’s performance is extraordinary, as his ability to convey a range of emotions—from existentialist sentiments to selfless bravery—fulfills the potential that the brilliant script was able to set up.
Another aspect of this film I found particularly captivating was its stunning visuals. The use of practical effects is done well, with no instances of CGI disrupting the believability of the story, something modern movies tend to struggle with. My favorite effect, though, is the use of puppeteering. Personally, I enjoy it more when films use puppets because of how it translates visually, though it’s a lot less common nowadays. Upon seeing this in the theater, I couldn’t help but grow more appreciative of the film.
Figuring out pacing and adequate detail can be tough when it comes to book-to-film adaptations, but this film’s pacing is near perfect. The script writers did an excellent job incorporating the most significant details without skipping over the small intricacies of the more scientific aspects.
When I came out of the theater for the first time, my first thought was how powerful the needle drops were. In the opening scene, Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” was perfectly chosen to play alongside the main character’s confused and amazed state. Additionally, “Wind of Change,” by Scorpions, is exciting to hear. As an avid Harry Styles fan, hearing “Sign of the Times” was a surprise, though I can’t help but feel that it is the perfect song to incorporate in its scene.
This film made me laugh, cry, and sit in anticipation on the edge of my seat. I came out of it with a greater appreciation of life and drive to find my own purpose. I’ll definitely be watching this movie again.
