Project Hail Mary – Budget of $248 million – 2 hours and 36 minutes
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Dr. Ryland Grace wakes up from a medically induced coma on the Hail Mary spaceship. He’s been unconscious for years and doesn’t remember who he is, where he is, or why he’s here. As he attempts to grasp reality, his memories flood his mind. He looks around the ship to find that two of his crew members have died. Ryland doesn’t have a pilot or an engineer. He thinks back to his time on earth and its problems.
Ryland taught middle school science. His students prattled about the dying sun. A scientist discovered an infrared line connecting the Sun to Venus and named it the Petrova Line. Since then, people have noticed the sun is slowly dying. At this rate, the Earth will run out of food, and people will die. Ryland assured the kids that great thinkers are working on a solution. So they should trust that the government is working on it. Government Administrator Eva Stratt entered Ryland’s room with his dissertation after class. Eva believed that Ryland’s unconventional thinking would help. He requested more time, but Eva said no. She had Officer Carl strongly insist that Ryland leave with them. They took Ryland to a private base and explained that the Petrova Line is filled with an unknown energy source. Ryland uncovered its secrets and how to create more. He named it Astrophage. Eva grabbed Ryland and brought him into a room with the top scientists from every corner of the world. He explained his findings, and they told him about Project Hail Mary. The same phenomenon affecting Earth’s Sun was impacting all the stars except one, Tau Ceti. They want to turn the Astrophage into fuel and fly to Tau Ceti. They can study why it has survived. However, the brave astronauts will only have enough fuel to get there. Their lives will end in space.
Back on the ship, Ryland believes he’s alone and researches the Petrova Line. Then, the ship alerts Ryland to a blip on the monitor. It’s another spacecraft. He tries to dodge it, but the inhabitants want to make contact. When they meet, Ryland can’t believe his eyes. It’s a highly intelligent, mobile rock formation. They find a way to communicate after trial and error. Ryland names the formation Rocky. Ryland learns that the sun of Rocky’s home planet, Erid, is dying like Earth’s. His kind sent his crew to discover a cure. However, Rocky’s crewmembers died. He is the only one left. As Rocky and Ryland work together, can they save their planets?
Based on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, this film brings the beloved story to life with great action, a compelling storyline, and plenty of dry humor (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The story isn’t linear. Whenever Ryland has a moment alone, the amnesia slowly lifts. The mystery of how he became an astronaut is intriguing and heartbreaking. Ryland and Rocky are brilliant. However, Rocky has self-confidence that Ryland lacks. Ryland has information that Rocky has never heard of before. They are an unlikely pair that become science bros. The interstellar camera and digital work are astounding. It keeps you grounded while allowing the audience to immerse themselves in a fantasy world. The sound editing has noticeable flaws, but it doesn’t distract from this stellar picture. The plot is profound and unapologetically defines the word ‘brave.’ You will be on the edge of your seat because the script lets you bond with Ryland and Rocky. The writer offered quips and sarcastic remarks to bring humor to the film. Don’t be surprised if you need to see this film again. It’s worth every penny.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I need you to come with us – Eva
Carl and I made a baby – Ryland
I make door. You close door – Rocky
I’m not doing that – Carl
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Categories: In The Theater, Ken Leung, Lionel Boyce, Milana Vayntrub, movie, Priya Kansara, Project Hail Mary, review, ryan gosling, Sandra Hüller
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