Review: ‘Project Hail Mary’ Is a 5-Star Read, But Does the Movie Measure Up?
The first time I picked up Project Hail Mary, I was skeptical that the sci-fi book I heard everyone online raving about would really be my thing. I mean, it’s written by a man, set in space (which famously terrifies me), and I’ve learned the hard way one too many times that my tastes don’t always align with BookTok. But from the first page, I was absolutely hooked—and years later, it’s still one of my favorite books of all time. My first thoughts after finishing it were, “Oh my god, I need everyone in my life to read this book, and I hope they never make a movie out of this.“
I know everyone always claims to want their favorite books adapted into a movie or TV version, but when there’s essentially one setting and two characters (one of whom is described as a spider-like being that looks like a rock), I thought there was no way in hell a movie version could ever do Project Hail Mary justice. But after sitting in a packed AMC Theatres on opening night, I’m here to admit that I was incredibly wrong. Here’s my full review of Project Hail Mary.
What is Project Hail Mary about?
Project Hail Mary follows Ryland Grace, who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or what his mission is. As his memories slowly return, the science teacher-turned-unexpected astronaut realizes he’s Earth’s last hope for finding a solution to the solar parasite dimming the sun. The weight of the world is on his shoulders—until he meets an unexpected alien ally, and the two work together to solve the crisis that is killing both of their planets.
My review of Project Hail Mary
To quote Harry Styles, Project Hail Mary is a movie that feels like a movie. It’s two hours and 36 minutes of pure entertainment that makes for the quintessential theater experience. Despite its hefty runtime, the entire AMC was locked in from the first minute to the last—laughing out loud at the endless quips, tears streaming down faces during the tense emotional moments (well… I can only speak for myself on that one), and literally erupting in applause at the end of the film.
While the sci-fi aspects of Project Hail Mary are certainly interesting and make for absolutely beautiful cinematography, especially in IMAX, the real heart of the story is the platonic love between Grace and Rocky. I worried that the charming, heartwarming moments that made me love the book so much wouldn’t translate to the screen. (I mean, it can’t be easy to get an audience to take a rock alien seriously.) But thankfully, it translated seamlessly from the book to the screen. Their journey could quite literally thaw the coldest hearts, from their initial discovery, to learning how to communicate, to their life-altering friendship by the end of the film. They’re rivaling the best friend duo greats like Thelma and Louise and Romy and Michelle.
“In the era of book-to-movie adaptations, Project Hail Mary is the gold standard.”
Many aspects of the film impressed me, but Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ryland Grace stood out above all. The way he delivers genuinely hilarious comedic moments throughout the movie, while still landing the hard-hitting emotional beats the story demands, had my jaw on the floor. Not to mention, he’s acting opposite a puppet version of Rocky. He literally has chemistry with a rock. I’m not sure what’s more impressive than that.
Tonally, I’d say the film version of Project Hail Mary leans more into the comedic elements than the book at times. That’s not to say there aren’t high stakes or emotional moments, though. The film’s core aim is to tug on the audience’s heartstrings and make them swoon over the friendship between Rocky and Grace. Delivering an edge-of-your-seat sci-fi experience that has your heart beating out of your chest was not the driver. While I personally don’t think this is a downside, don’t go in expecting Dune or Arrival.
So, does the Project Hail Mary movie live up to the book?
I don’t think it’s dramatic to say that Project Hail Mary is the best book-to-movie adaptation I’ve seen in the last decade, with its 10/10 casting, honor of the source material, and blockbuster cinematography. I loved it just as much as the book, and I’m already looking forward to the rewatch. One of my golden rules in life is to always read the book first, but honestly, the film stands on its own. Whether you’re a fan of the book going in or just trying to check off your AMC A-List March watch, I think you’ll leave the theater with a smile on your face and a pep in your step. In the era of book-to-movie adaptations, Project Hail Mary is the gold standard.
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Lauren Blue, Associate Editor & Book Club Co-Host
As an Associate Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives, from must-read books and behind-the-scenes interviews to beauty products she can’t live without. When she isn’t sitting in an AMC watching the latest buzzy release, she can be found scouring Goodreads for the perfect pick for The Everygirl Book Club. There, she co-hosts discussions with members, debating plotlines, fancasting characters, and, of course, tossing in her own recommendations.
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