Project Hail Mary (2026)

Sometimes a movie comes along that is just a simple crowdpleaser yet captures something, just right for the moment and becomes destined to be a classic film loved for the ages. It doesn't necessarily need to be complex or perfect or without flaws. It just needs to be truly entertaining and accessible for almost anyone. Project Hail Mary is that sort of a movie and I'll be surprised if it doesn't become a big hit.  

I could get into why the film's plot cuts some corners and perhaps jumps from set piece to set piece conveniently wrapping each up with a little bow. I could discuss how the film is a little on the emotionally manipulative side. But I'd be a party-pooper so instead I'll just talk about why I enjoyed the film so much regardless of its imperfections. 

Project Hail Mary is an aggressively optimistic movie. As I said, it manages to solve each of its cataclysmic problems, usually rather quickly. Its central character is likeable with a capital LIKE and never lets the immense pressure of the plot bring him down. When you think about it the film's story goes to some very dark places. Very dark. Yet the film doesn't dwell there, instead finding the bright spots in the almost pure darkness and coming out shining. I think this is a big part of the appeal. Perhaps it is the film audiences need in 2026. 

Gosling is a big part of this. He is extremely charming and relatable and just appealing. It is hard to think of another A-lister who could have pulled this off. His charisma carries the film and truly makes it all work. He'll have you at hello and his delivery of the film's relentlessly cheerful humour is the secret sauce that brings Project Hail Mary to life. 

Lord and Miller have made a lot of rather happy movies and find a real joy in their storytelling. This may be a bit of a magnum opus for them, the sort of film that might define who they are as film makers. And that's not something they should be upset about. 

So yeah there were things I could focus on to pick apart about this movie but I just don't want to cause I had a good time and I want to sit with that. Project Hail Mary and its star won me over. 

Project Hail Mary

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara, Orion Lee, James Ortiz

Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Writer: Drew Goddard