I just finished watching Project Hail Mary, and here’s why I believe it’s one of the top films of the year.

      Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have created one of the standout films of 2026 with their new sci-fi comedy, Project Hail Mary. Adapted from Andy Weir's novel, the story starts with Dr. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) awakening on a spaceship, having no recollection of his identity. He gradually recalls that he was sent to space to help avert the Sun and humanity's demise and befriends a "crab-rock" alien (James Ortiz) who is on a similar mission.

      Fueled by a skilled cast and crew, Project Hail Mary offers an impressive, grand blockbuster that merges an exhilarating alien escapade with touching human drama. Aficionados of classic sci-fi films like The Martian, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Interstellar will appreciate Project Hail Mary, which has quickly established itself as a contemporary classic.

      Ryan Gosling and Rocky create a remarkable partnership.

      Sony Pictures UK / Sony Pictures UK

      In a manner reminiscent of The Martian, an adaptation of another Andy Weir novel, Project Hail Mary depicts a comedic, everyman survival journey in space. Unlike Matt Damon's character from the former, Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Grace appears to be the least likely candidate for an astronaut. Right from the start, Gosling effectively communicates that Grace is just an average individual thrust far beyond his comfort zone when tasked with rescuing humanity from extinction.

      Gosling has showcased his ability to lead thrilling sci-fi projects like Blade Runner 2049 and First Man. However, unlike the composed, self-assured heroes seen in those films, Grace embodies a more clumsy character, reminiscent of Gosling's role in The Nice Guys, reaffirming his versatility as an actor.

      Amazon MGM Studios / Amazon MGM Studios

      Project Hail Mary also introduces a memorable alien character in Rocky, whose rapport with Grace is exceptional. He arrives on Grace’s ship with the enthusiasm and inquisitiveness of a golden retriever, and they form a dynamic akin to college roommates as they navigate living and working together.

      His rapid-fire, quirky dialogue adds significant comedic relief to the narrative, reminiscent of the robots in The Mitchells vs. The Machines. Additionally, he shows remarkable affection and loyalty toward Grace as they endeavor to save both his kind and humanity. Regardless of what material comprises Rocky’s body, his genuine heart shines through.

      Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s distinctive direction

      Amazon MGM Studios / Amazon MGM Studios

      For the first time since briefly directing 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have co-directed Project Hail Mary. Even though it has been some time since the duo directed a feature film, their clever, unconventional storytelling has been evident in their animated Spider-Man films, which display the same quirky, self-referential humor found in Project Hail Mary.

      Similar to Lord and Miller’s earlier works, Project Hail Mary is a metamodern space film that pays tribute to classics such as Apollo 13, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and 2001. It doesn’t aim to be revolutionary but offers a refreshing and enjoyable cinematic experience. It’s not everyday one witnesses Ryan Gosling singing karaoke on a holodeck with an alien crab-rock.

      “One unique aspect of this story is that many films feature a character who feels at home on Earth, wakes up in space, and feels isolated. This movie, however, is about someone who feels lonely on Earth, finds a friend in space,” Lord shared with BFI. “We wanted space to appear, humorously, inviting. The old void of space is actually warm and welcoming. You feel closer to heaven. Visually, we aimed for the film to feel more cozy.”

      Amazon MGM Studios / Amazon MGM Studios

      In Project Hail Mary, Lord and Miller continue to weave genuine heart and optimism into their comedic narratives. Beyond Grace’s interstellar adventure with an alien rock lies a portrayal of a man rediscovering his bravery after enduring crippling self-doubt. He’s an unconventional hero who learns to believe in himself and discovers a friend worth fighting for.

      However, the duo doesn’t deserve sole credit, as the film’s clever and heartfelt screenplay is penned by Oscar-nominated writer Drew Goddard. Known for his work on sci-fi classics like Cloverfield and The Martian, Goddard played a crucial role in helping Lord and Miller translate Grace and Rocky’s story onto the big screen with humor and humanity.

      “In Project Hail Mary, the protagonist is out of his element,” Goddard remarked in an interview with Variety. “We wanted it to feel rough around the edges, maybe even a bit messy. We don’t want him to come across as a perfect astronaut. And then there’s Rocky’s character…Phil and Chris excel at uncovering the humanity within these eccentric characters. That’s what this film needed.”

      An extraordinary achievement in filmmaking

      Sony Pictures / Sony Pictures

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