Based on the book by Andy Weir, “Project Hail Mary” premiered in theaters on March 20, marking the beginning of a generational run. The film was said to be classified as a tearjerker and overall enjoyable movie, and it definitely lived up to that.
The book, which came out in 2021, was rated very high by readers on sites like goodreads.
“A movie adaptation of the book always, of course, misses a few details,” says senior Hazul Alcantara. “I prefer the book because it was more in depth on what Grace was doing in space.”
It’s hard to fit a book’s entire plotline into a two-and-a- half hour movie, but “Project Hail Mary” managed to cover every major plot point, even if this meant glossing over a few things. To readers, it didn’t feel like anything major was missing – which is considered a win.
The film had a budget of $200 million, and since release has grossed over $400 million worldwide.
With, what one might call, a “stacked” cast, expectations were really high going into this movie. Additionally, it’s hard to look past the discographies of the directors. Both Phil Lord and Chris Miller directed “Project Hail Mary,” “The Lego Movie” and the Spider-verse franchise. While their newest project seems to be different from their usual style, it might be their best one yet.
The story follows Ryland Grace, a scientist who wakes up on the PHM spaceship with no sense for how he got there, no crew members and no way to get home. All he knows is that his sun is dying, and he must find a way to save it. As he contemplates his seemingly inevitable death 11.9 light years from Earth, his memories slowly return.
By some miracle, he comes across another ship – and it houses who will become his best (and only) friend. Rocky is a creature who hails from Erid, another planet with a dying star. Rocky has the same problem as Grace – they have no one.
As Grace and Rocky learn to communicate, their relationship blossoms into something beautiful. Rocky moves onto the Mary, and the two plan and research how to get home. Through all the (major) bumps in the road, the two are there for each other. Their friendship is what truly makes this movie great – demonstrating how even when one feels far from “home” (11.9 light years in Grace’s case), one is never truly alone.
“There were so many beautiful aspects of the movie such as the relationship between Rocky and Ryland Grace,” says Alcantara. “I love all the colors they used, especially for the astrophage. It was visually stunning and heartwarming.”
Friendship can be found in even the most unlikely of places, and the film takes this theme to the extreme. Grace is quite literally in the middle of nowhere, yet guidance and companionship still find him.
In addition to its beautiful and relatable message, “Project Hail Mary” is a visually appealing film. It’s clear that every aspect was well thought, and there are times where viewers may have felt like they were in space with Grace himself.
From the color scheme to the soundtrack, the film draws in viewers and makes them feel involved. This is one of the best things a film can do, for what’s a good movie if you don’t feel at least a little bit empty as you leave the theater?
So, while viewers may not each be on death missions to save the world, the main takeaway from “Project Hail Mary” is that you are never alone, and it’s okay if all you can do is take it day by day. Someone will be there.