“Amaze, amaze, amaze”

Rocky and Grace save cinema

2026 is a world of adaptations. From books to films, animated shows/movies into live action, we’ve gotten so many adaptations within the last few years that I’ve stopped keeping count. These movies have started to feel like generic slop designed to get viewers grasping at old characters, plots, and nostalgia in a new form that seems more “real” to the viewer. 

Not so with “Project Hail Mary.” 

Published in 2021 by science fiction novelist Andy Weir, the novel became the brain child of actor/producer Ryan Gosling and directors Phil Lord and Christpher Miller prior to the novel’s release. Gosling allegedly heard of the potential novel and claimed rights to its adaptation immediately. He was set on bringing Weir’s story to the big screen as soon as he could and poured his heart and soul into the project, clearly seen in the final product. 

So what’s the big deal? 

“Project Hail Mary” follows science teacher Ryland Grace on his quest to save the world from energy eating Astrophage–an microscopic alien that traveled across space–that is sucking away the light of the sun and therefore killing life on Earth. Grace doesn’t initially realize this, however, as the film/novel begins with him waking up from a coma in space with no memory whatsoever. As Grace learns more about his environment and surroundings, he slowly regains his memory, realizing that he is a junior high science teacher heavily involved in saving Earth. 

Both the novel and film cut between “current” events of Grace navigating to the Tau Ceti star system and “past” memories as he recalls who he is and why he is in space. Eventually arriving at his destination, Grace encounters an alien who has a very rock-like form… and names him Rocky.

Working through a language barrier–Rocky communicated via musical notes–the two eventually come to the realization that they are there for the same reason: Astrophage is killing both their home worlds and they are in Tau Ceti to discover why the microorganism isn’t killing its sun. So human and alien team up and become best friends, determined to save both Earth and Erid with the power of friendship in the best way possible. 

If you’ve seen anything about it on social media, you’ll know that “Project Hail Mary” is a great film/book. And it is. We’ve finally been given a faithful adaptation that, though it deviates and makes slight cuts, remains faithful to its source material (and I loved the book and am picky with adaptations, so that says a lot). Additionally, it’s visually stunning, despite not using a single green or blue screen for its effects. It’s a heart warming apocalyptic film that allows the viewer to feel hopeful not only about humanity, but the future of cinema.

If you haven’t already, I recommend that you go see “Project Hail Mary” while it’s still in theaters. Disclaimer: you must see it in IMAX. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

By Adelle Hall