“Fist my bump.” Rocky excitedly proclaims to Ryland. Andy Weir’s novel Project Hail Mary comes to life on the big screen in the most surreal way, and is it all thanks to Ryan Gosling? After reading the novel rather quick fashion before the movie release, I found myself visualizing Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace. Whether that gets your attention or not, it works incredibly well in this space epic adaptation from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller who brought us unforgettable films such as 22 Jump Street (2014), The Lego Movie (2014) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023).

Andy Weir continues to keep the science in science-fiction. For those that do not consider themselves science-fiction fans could find themselves immersed in his scientifically proven novels. Weir’s another novel The Martian was adapted to film in 2015 by the one and only Ridley Scott. Weir found himself in the passenger seat in the creation of that adaptation compared to him actively overseeing the making of Project Hail Mary.

Project Hail Mary, written by Andy Weir in 2021 centers around Ryland Grace, a science teacher who becomes an astronaut as he awakens in a ship with no recollection of how or why he is there. Originally planned as a three person mission, Grace awakens from a coma to find the other astronauts are deceased. He is alone and confused. The novel unfolds in flashbacks as he remembers why he is on this mission, to figure out why the sun and other stars are dying. Astrophage is affecting the neighboring stars, and draining their lifeforce. Grace becomes the only hope for survival. Through Grace’s previous scientific findings, he is approached by Dr. Stratt and chosen to travel to Tau Ceti to find out what is going on. In short, he is the most under qualified person to be on the Hail Mary by himself. It’s a one way trip, a suicide mission.

Grace encounters an unexpected companion along the way and it will become your next obsession. His name becomes “Rocky” because of his rock-like shape form. He is an Eridian, and speaks through sounds and vibration. Grace becomes so excited, as Rocky mimics his movements so he finds a way to communicate. By taking the sounds that Rocky makes, Grace is able to convert the sound into english. Comparing the novel to the film, the novel goes into more details as they first meet, but overall their relationship becomes the heart of this adaptation. They are no longer alone, together they are unstoppable.

The movie’s characterization adds a bit more of a comedic and light-hearted spin to Ryland Grace. This is due to casting Ryan Gosling in the role, as his performance adds a certain flair to the story. Grace finds out that Rocky’s planet Erid is also affected by the Astrophage and they join forces and set out on the Hail Mary to figure out how to save their planets. Therefore, giving the film a space epic vibe that is comparison to the classic Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The friendship that is formed between Rocky and Grace sets the tone of the film. As Grace’s new roommate he learns more about Rocky, like why he has to observe Grace while he sleeps and how differently they eat. Rocky says, “Fist my bump” instead of “fist bump,” gives a thumbs down instead of thumbs up and it becomes a running joke. Their bond is made from an imminent threat to their people, and that strength grows stronger each day. They show each other their own meaning of life and the purpose they both have. Like the comparison to 2001: A Space Odyssey, the friendship that Rocky and Grace develop is very much like the classic Steven Spielberg film E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. By the end of the film, I was thinking that this could be easily among the greats that I found myself comparing it to.

Project Hail Mary perfectly captures the essences of the novel with minimal changes. Ryan Gosling is able to make the character of Grace his own through comedic chops and relatability. Although it was a bit of a shock to me at first, it makes the film what it is, fantastic. As for Rocky, the visual effects and characterization was near perfect. This is one of those sci-fi films that anyone can enjoy as the science plays a huge part in the overall story but the message of bravery and hope can be felt by all.

It is a phenomenal film that will transform viewers. See it on the biggest screen possible. As Rocky would say, “Amaze, Amaze, Amaze.”