Jyl vs. Project Hail Mary

Going from the page to the screen, Project Hail Mary had a rocky road ahead of it, but does it live up to the hype after dominating the weekend box office?

PROJECT HAIL MARY

Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.

Based on the novel by Andy Weir

Screenplay by Drew Goddard

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, and James Ortiz

Run time: 2 hours 36 minutes

MPAA: PG-13

Project Hail Mary had a lot to live up to for me. I read the book several years ago when it was first published, and it has stayed in my top ten favorite books ever since. Naturally, that made me a little hesitant going into the film adaptation, because we all know what can happen when a favorite book gets turned into a movie.

Visually stunning and consistently thrilling, Project Hail Mary is more than just a sci-fi spectacle. At its heart, it’s a story about connection, empathy, and the importance of caring for one another. The film centers on the relationship between two vastly different characters and watching them learn to communicate, trust and bond while fighting to save their respective worlds gives the story its real emotional weight. That heart is what lifts the film beyond its high-concept premise.

What makes the movie work so well is that it knows exactly when to lean into emotion and when to lighten the mood. The comedic moments land naturally, giving the story warmth and personality without undercutting the tension. That balance helps the characters feel real, even in the middle of an enormous, blockbuster of a sci-fi story.

Ryan Gosling is especially impressive here and honestly deserves a standing ovation for carrying so much of the film on his own. He brings humor, vulnerability, and heart to the role in a way that makes it all feel effortless.

The score and soundtrack also deserve praise for how much they add to the experience. They heighten the suspense, deepen the emotional beats, and help give the film a sense of wonder. Combined with the incredible cinematography, the intricate set, and the practical and special effects, the entire experience feels immersive from beginning to end.

Even with some elements from the book understandably trimmed for the screen, the script still delivers a complete and satisfying arc that stays true to the spirit of the original story. And while the film is on the longer side, it never feels wasted. Every scene builds toward a payoff that feels earned.

I’m not saying this is the best movie of 2026, but it’s the best movie of 2026 and I won’t be shocked when it gets multiple Oscar nominations (and wins!) next year.

This film is perfect for fans of sci-fi, the Project Hail Mary novel, movies such as Interstellar or Arrival, character-driven narratives, space stories, and unlikely friendships.

(Editor’s note: Check this out! https://projecthailmary.org/ *BBOB)

My final rating is AMAZE! Solid five out of five thumbs up. 👎 👎 👎 👎 👎

Jyl Glenn is a writer, editor, formatter, anthologist, poet, and a medical-legal writer and consultant. Her lifelong love affair with horror began at a very early age when she was left unattended on the weekend Poltergeist debuted on HBO. And then she figured out she could read any horror book she liked as long as she hung out at the public library, even if the librarian deemed it not to be age appropriate. Jyl was born and raised in New York and now lives in Tulsa with her dog and cat. She loves creepy art, dark poetry, and pink dinosaurs. When she isn’t dabbling in the macabre—she’s most likely asleep.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.