By Tim G. Villasor
Outer space and science are curious things, with humanity looking toward the stars and still having yet to fully grasp what lies beyond our solar system. Scientists continue to study what exists out there as new discoveries await, and through that shared commitment comes works of art from creators that drive our imagination and push us to consider that there may be intelligent life that exists outside of our own planet.
Readers and novelists who love science fiction will probably be familiar with Andy Weir — one of the most acclaimed writers of the genre and the man behind the 2011 novel “The Martian.” That book was turned into a 2015 blockbuster movie starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott, which earned critical acclaim and was a story about survival, hope, and the perseverance of the human spirit to overcome the odds even if things seem bleak and hopeless.
If you enjoyed that film and are looking for something similar, then look no further than Weir’s other critically acclaimed novel turned film “Project Hail Mary.” Directed by Spider-Verse directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Canadian heartthrob actor Ryan Gosling (who also serves as one of the producers of the film), the project is an absolute tribute to the world of sci-fi, with Gosling playing the role of a scientist who embarks on an interstellar space mission to save his world from complete destruction.
Thanks to Columbia Pictures Philippines, I was able to catch the special advance screening of the film on IMAX, and to say it’s the perfect format to experience such a wonderful space journey would be an understatement. Project Hail Mary was filmed using large-sensor Arri Alexa 65 cameras, and they provide wider aspect rations which add more immersion to viewers as major scenes blow up wide and showcase the beauty of this interstellar adventure. More often than not, Lord and Miller incorporate a lot of practical effects into the sets as well — with the spacecrafts, aliens, and scientific equipment represented by handmade crafted pieces. Plus there’s a lot of science know-how and lessons that are derived from facts and studies in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
Photo credit: Jonathan Olley © 2026 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.
In “Project Hail Mary,” viewers follow Gosling’s character of Dr. Ryland Grace as he wakes up from a medically induced coma after a couple of years and suffers from temporary amnesia. Jumping back and forth with flashback segments that explain how he is recruited into the program and the dire situation the Earth is in after discovering the sun is dimming, we follow Grace’s journey as he studies the phenomenon and travels lightyears away to a star named Tau Ceti to find a way to save his planet. In the middle of his mission Grace gets unexpected help in the form of a rock-like alien that he befriends and names Rocky, and together both form a bond and friendship that sees them work together to find a way to save their respective solar systems.
Equal parts Interstellar and paying homage to classic Steven Spielberg films, “Project Hail Mary” is a true love letter to science fiction, friendship, and space adventure. Beyond reaching the cosmos and stars and taking a stab at molecular biology and astrophysics, this film speaks to the heart of explorers and scientists who would do anything to preserve humanity and reach out to the stars for answers. The use of real technology and advancements made by NASA as well as using science to communicate and find reasonable solutions to problems.
The movie is an absolute must watch that will make you think and laugh, and it will also speak volumes about human compassion, friendship, and determination. Much like its predecessor The Martian this sci-fi film is a likely contender for the Academy Awards next year, and is absolutely one of Ryan Gosling’s best performances to date in Hollywood. He’s a scientist with a very real and grounded personality, and you’ll fall right in love with his relationship with Rocky and fist bump your way to the heavens because of this adventure.
Project Hail Mary is now showing Philippine cinemas and is distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines.
