- Sci-Fi
- Based on a novel
Project Hail Mary (2026) Review: A Mind-Blowing Sci-Fi Adventure
By Ryan Fletcher · Updated · 8 min read
A warm, funny sci-fi adventure carried by Ryan Gosling, a little long but perfect for fans of The Martian.
- Directors
- Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
- Cast
- Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce
- Runtime
- 156 min
- Release
- March 20, 2026
- Language
- English
- Rated
- 12A (BBFC, UK)
Spoiler level: This review is spoiler-free until the section marked “Spoilers”.
What is Project Hail Mary about?
Project Hail Mary (2026) is a science-fiction film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with a screenplay by Drew Goddard based on Andy Weir’s novel. Ryan Gosling plays Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he is there.
The cast also includes Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung and Milana Vayntrub. The film reached cinemas on March 20, 2026 and runs 156 minutes.
Project Hail Mary trailer
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Our review of Project Hail Mary
Story and screenplay
The film combines science fiction, humor, and suspense. The flashbacks reveal how Ryland Grace ended up alone in space, while his attempts to communicate with Rocky create funny and emotional moments. However, some flashbacks slow the pacing.
Acting and characters
Ryan Gosling delivers an excellent performance, balancing comedy with fear and vulnerability. His friendship with Rocky feels genuine and becomes the emotional heart of the film. Sandra Hüller also stands out as Eva Stratt, bringing authority and determination to her role.
Direction and visuals
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller create a visually impressive space adventure. The spacecraft feels realistic, and the colorful cosmic environments make the journey spectacular. The editing keeps the scientific discoveries understandable, although the transitions between past and present occasionally interrupt the flow.
Sound and music
Daniel Pemberton’s score builds suspense and emotion throughout the film. The alien sounds and spacecraft effects make the environment feel believable, while the karaoke scene featuring Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” provides a memorable mix of humor and emotion.
Project Hail Mary is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure that combines scientific discovery, humor, and friendship. Ryan Gosling and Rocky make this journey through space truly unforgettable.
Spoilers: The ending
Show spoilers
Ryland Grace discovers a way to save Earth and Rocky’s planet using Taumoeba. Instead of returning to Earth, he risks his life to rescue Rocky, and they travel together to Erid. Earth receives the samples needed to save the Sun, while Grace starts a new life teaching science to young Eridians. The ending leaves his possible return to Earth uncertain.
Pros and cons
What works
- Rocky is a real puppet and the Hail Mary ship is a real set, so the film feels tactile.
- Ryan Gosling carries the movie, and his friendship with Rocky is the emotional core.
- It mixes humor and heart, and avoids the usual sci-fi clichés.
What doesn’t
- At 156 minutes it runs long, and some critics say about 10 minutes could go.
- The pacing sometimes feels like two movies in one, and parts of the story feel rushed.
- Book fans may miss details that were cut, such as the “coma gene”.
Final verdict: is Project Hail Mary worth watching?
Project Hail Mary is absolutely worth watching. It’s a warm, funny sci-fi adventure that fans of The Martian will love, though the 156-minute runtime may feel long for some.
Overall score: 8.5 / 10. Scores reflect the reviewer’s opinion.
Cast and crew
- Ryan Goslingas Ryland Grace
- Sandra HüllerCast
- Lionel BoyceCast
- Ken LeungCast
- Milana VayntrubCast
- Phil Lord & Christopher MillerDirectors
- Drew GoddardScreenplay
- Daniel PembertonMusic
- Greig FraserCinematography
Where to watch Project Hail Mary
Availability changes by country, so check your local services before you watch.
- In cinemasReleased March 20, 2026.
- StreamingPrime Video
- Rent or buyPrime Video, Apple TV and Google Play
Project Hail Mary FAQ
Is Project Hail Mary worth watching?
Yes, absolutely. It’s a warm, funny sci-fi adventure that fans of The Martian will love, though the 156-minute runtime may feel long for some.
How long is Project Hail Mary?
Project Hail Mary runs 156 minutes (2 hours 36 minutes).
Is Project Hail Mary suitable for kids?
The BBFC rated it 12A in the UK, meaning it is suitable for ages 12 and over, and for younger children only with an adult. Ratings differ by country, so check your local board.
Is there a post-credits scene in Project Hail Mary?
No. There’s no post-credits scene, and you can leave the cinema once the credits start.
About the reviewer
Ryan Fletcher – Movie reviewer covering new releases, sci-fi and streaming picks, with a focus on honest, spoiler-free reviews.