Project Hail Mary headlined by Ryan Gosling has a standard sci fi story. But the difference lies in the treatment of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. The movie has a hopeful tone regarding the environmental crisis. The heart touching friendship between the protagonist and an alien takes the viewers on a roller coaster ride

Starcast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller and others

Genre: Science fiction/drama

Based on: Novel Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Directors: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Screenplay: Drew Goddard

Cinematography: Grieg Fraser

Music: Daniel Pemberton

Producers: Ryan Gosling, Phil Lord, Aditya Sood etc

Production Companies: Pascal Pictures, Lord Miller Productions etc

Running time: 2 hours and 36 minutes

The treatment of extra-terrestrial creatures has often bordered on dangerous entities. They are treated as humankind’s worst enemy with zero redeeming features. Of course, exceptions like Rakesh Roshan’s Koyi Mil Gaya are there. Though inspired from the west the film was a solid emotional drama with Hrithik Roshan’s Rohit developing an unlikely bond with an alien named jadoo. There is a hugely poignant moment when the time for farewell comes. The writing coupled with Hrithik’s performance was first rate. Project Hail Mary takes this notches above by mixing environmental crisis with themes of perseverance and a friendship that is sure to strike a chord.

The story of Project Hail Mary mainly focuses on Ryan Gosling’s Grace. He is a biology teacher. The movie begins with him waking up from coma on a starship. Through various flashbacks the viewers understand how Grace landed here and his mission of saving earth. There is a microorganism called Astrophage dimming the solar system. In this process Grace befriends an alien called Rocky voiced by different artists Ray Porter and Meryl Streep. This is the plot in brief.

It goes without saying that Project Hail Mary’s biggest strength is the strong on-screen brotherhood between Ryan Gosling and the Alien. Their scenes together have a fantastic mix of comedy and drama. Talking about the lighthearted bits a specific mention must be made of the early portions with Grace’s attempt of communication.

Initially Grace gets a shock of his life upon seeing the alien. But soon he warms up as the two gradually open up about their lives. The alien gets into the spaceship of Grace as well. Here too there are some chuckle worthy moments with the commentary of Grace.

Soon though things take a very different turn as Grace and Rocky together set out to solve interstellar problems. In this process the two strike an emotional bond leading to numerous poignant moments. Since I have not read the novel I cannot say how the brotherhood plays there but as far as the movie is concerned its the movie’s beating heart.

The flashback portions are another plus for the movie. Sandra Huller plays Eva Stratt. Eva is the head of an international task force representing the project. Eva comes across as a hardened soul especially in her methods of sending Grace to the spaceship. At the same time there are also scenes of warmth making the viewers think that there are some sparks.

The numerous back and forths also do a good job in establishing Grace personality. Grace is not a protagonist with a natural inclination for saving the day. He is someone who rather prefers teaching science to children and this trait helps in the viewers rooting for the protagonist more. The climax with Grace teaching on Rocky’s planet serves as a perfect conclusion. Ryan Gosling pulls off the different shades with ease whether its the lighthearted bits or moving the viewers. He is one of the major reasons for the movie being so engaging.

The cinematography of Graig Feser coupled with the production design has a lived in in feel. It adds to the immersive experience. A special mention must be made of the scenes involving Grace’s daredevil stunts amidst danger.

Final word: Project Hail Mary is definitely a big screen watch even if you are not into science fiction much.