Project Hail Mary

Science fiction | Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller | M (suitable for mature audiences)

Project Hail Mary follows molecular biologist turned science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) on a one-way mission to save Earth. Waking alone in space with no memory, Grace slowly pieces together his past and the immense responsibility he carries. Fans of the novel may find the adaptation softer on the dense scientific detail, but this allows Gosling to shine, portraying Grace as witty, prickly and deeply human. The heart of the film is Rocky, an alien on a parallel mission to save his own species. Rocky and Grace’s unlikely friendship delivers the film’s most joyful and moving moments, balancing humour with grief and wonder. When a rocklike puppet makes you cry, you know it’s working. One of the best films of the year so far. (Reviewed by Jenna Martin)