is a science-fiction crowd-pleasurer
By Glenn Kay
For the Sun
Rating: +++
out of ++++
Running Time: 156 minutes
This feature film from Amazon MGM Studios opens exclusively in theaters and on IMAX screens on Friday, March 20.
I’ll be honest and note that, for personal reasons, I haven’t had as much time to keep up with books over the past few years. And when I attend a film, I also try to keep myself in the dark and avoid advertising before viewing it, in order to avoid the ad campaign spoiling things. It also prevents me from forming an early bias in my head. Upon viewing the new science-fiction feature Project Hail Mary, I couldn’t help but think that it felt like a cross between The Martian and Interstellar. Of course, after exiting I learned that the source material is by The Martian author Andy Weir.
The story presented is in many respects predictable, but the central performance and dazzling visuals still make the end result more captivating than anticipated.
Dr. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) awakens on a space ship alone with no idea how he got there. Confused and disoriented, he figures out that he was once a noted microbiologist, who, after a bad turn of events, now works as a science teacher. It also becomes clear that he has been sent on a mission to save the Earth. The sun is slowly dying due to an alien microbe called Astrophage, which is using up the star’s energy (as well as other orbs across the universe) and slowly making our planet dimmer and eventually unlivable. One star in the Tau Ceti system seems unaffected, and Grace has been sent to discover why.
Finding out how to fight the organism and eliminate it is next to impossible alone, and seems even more difficult now that the mission has already gone wrong. Grace is forced to use his own wits to survive. He also encounters a strange, alien being that may be able to help find the answer and literally save the day.
Truth be told, the amnesia element of the plot isn’t in use for very long. Grace does figure out why he’s supposed to be there remarkably quickly, as well as the fact that this is a one-way mission with no return.
The story instead focuses on the lead trying to move forward and carry out objectives by himself (at least, early on). As this is occurring, the narrative travels back in time to the protagonist’s recruitment in the program for a clandestine group of international scientists, engineers and officials, an undertaking led by Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller). In the end, sequences set in the past ultimately lead to a complete understanding of how the figure ended up onboard.
As expected, the technical skills on display are remarkable. If you see this picture, attempt to catch it on the biggest screen you can. While much of it does take place in narrow, claustrophobic parts of a space vessel and the material on Earth looks intentionally gray, the lead is forced to venture outside his ship at different times. It leads to incredible outer space vistas and shots of other worlds. Along the way, Grace also discovers something odd floating in space, which leads to an interesting and creatively-designed new environment. Everything looks top notch and, even if the central story wasn’t as strong as it is, the movie is always a wonder to look at.
But thankfully, star Gosling (who is mostly acting on his own), manages to sell the drama just as well. You can get a sense of Grace fighting off loneliness in the vastness of space, and, despite him having a sense of humor, at times being overwhelmed.
The real surprise is the character’s interactions with an unusual being that he names Rocky. This story element is the heart of the movie. It isn’t at all subtle, with the two lone individuals slowly forming an unexpected bond and friendship that would come across as corny in any picture involving two humans. However, the star and the effects work sell this relationship beautifully. Most viewers will feel like they are watching authentic interactions between the two, and when danger arises, feel concern for the well-being of both individuals.
Admittedly, the movie doesn’t offer any huge jolts or surprises, but the Grace and Rocky element is shockingly effective. This is a science-fiction crowd-pleaser of the highest order, with incredible production design and effects, a great lead performance, and a sweet message that two very different beings can form a lasting connection and friendship through difficult circumstances. Project Hail Mary successfully accomplishes its mission with aplomb.
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