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8.8
Amazon MGM Studios Acclaimed

Project Hail Mary

A science teacher wakes alone aboard an interstellar spacecraft and must recover his memories, solve a threat to Earth's Sun and cooperate with an unexpected alien ally.

2026 156 min PG-13
Critic8.8
Science Fiction Adventure Drama
Prime Video MGM+ FindEdition
Trailer Where to Watch

Overview

Middle-school science teacher and former molecular biologist Ryland Grace wakes aboard a spacecraft with no memory of his identity or mission. As his memories return, he discovers that he is humanity's last chance to solve a cosmic threat endangering the Sun and life on Earth.
Story 9.0
Acting 8.8
Direction 8.9
Cinematography 9.2
Music 8.7
Pacing 8.4
Originality 9.1
Emotional Impact 9.0
Overall 8.8

Editorial Review

By FindEdition Cinema Desk

8.8 /10

Story and adaptation

Drew Goddard's screenplay turns a science-heavy survival mystery into accessible cinematic storytelling without losing the central appeal of experimentation, discovery and problem-solving.

Performances

Ryan Gosling carries long stretches of the film with humor, anxiety and determination, while Sandra Hüller gives Eva Stratt a controlled authority. The film's strongest emotional element is the evolving connection between Grace and Rocky.

Direction and visuals

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller balance large-format space imagery with practical sets and character-focused scenes. The spacecraft interiors feel physical, functional and lived-in rather than visually weightless.

Pros

  • Strong science-driven survival story
  • Emotionally engaging central friendship
  • Committed lead performance by Ryan Gosling
  • Practical spacecraft sets and large-format cinematography
  • Accessible adaptation of a technically detailed novel

Cons

  • The 156-minute runtime may feel long for some viewers
  • Some scientific explanations are simplified for the screen
  • Readers may notice material condensed or changed from the novel
Verdict An intelligent, emotionally effective science-fiction adventure powered by scientific curiosity and an unforgettable interstellar friendship.

AI Review

A science teacher wakes alone aboard an interstellar spacecraft and must recover his memories, solve a threat to Earth's Sun and cooperate with an unexpected alien ally.

An intelligent, emotionally effective science-fiction adventure powered by scientific curiosity and an unforgettable interstellar friendship.

Recommended for science-fiction viewers, Andy Weir readers and audiences who enjoy The Martian-style problem-solving. The expanded IMAX presentation offers the strongest theatrical visual experience.

Timeline

Release Date
Theatrical Date
Digital Date
Physical Date
Premiere
Status
Development

MGM acquired adaptation rights to Andy Weir's novel before its 2021 publication. Ryan Gosling joined as star and producer, with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directing and Drew Goddard adapting the screenplay.

Principal photography

Filming ran from June 3 to October 26, 2024 in the United Kingdom, including Shepperton Studios and locations in Portsmouth, Cambridge and Dorset.

Post-production

The final film combined practical spacecraft sets and puppetry with visual effects work from companies including Framestore, Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Pictures Imageworks, BUF and Wylie Co.

Theatrical release

The film premiered in London on March 9, 2026 and opened in the United States and Canada on March 20, 2026, with an international rollout through Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Home release

The film reached digital platforms in May 2026 and began streaming on Prime Video on July 3, 2026. Its physical-media release was scheduled for August 11, 2026.

Production

Development

MGM acquired adaptation rights to Andy Weir's novel before its 2021 publication. Ryan Gosling joined as star and producer, with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directing and Drew Goddard adapting the screenplay.

Principal photography

Filming ran from June 3 to October 26, 2024 in the United Kingdom, including Shepperton Studios and locations in Portsmouth, Cambridge and Dorset.

Post-production

The final film combined practical spacecraft sets and puppetry with visual effects work from companies including Framestore, Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Pictures Imageworks, BUF and Wylie Co.

Theatrical release

The film premiered in London on March 9, 2026 and opened in the United States and Canada on March 20, 2026, with an international rollout through Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Home release

The film reached digital platforms in May 2026 and began streaming on Prime Video on July 3, 2026. Its physical-media release was scheduled for August 11, 2026.

Streaming

Prime Video MGM+ FindEdition

Cast

Ryan Gosling Ryland Grace
Sandra Hüller Eva Stratt
James Ortiz Rocky
Lionel Boyce Carl
Ken Leung Yao Li-Jie
Milana Vayntrub Olesya Ilyukhina
Priya Kansara Mary
Malachi Kirby Martin Dubois
Liz Kingsman Annie Shapiro

Characters

Ryland Grace Ryan Gosling
Eva Stratt Sandra Hüller
Rocky James Ortiz
Carl Lionel Boyce
Yao Li-Jie Ken Leung
Olesya Ilyukhina Milana Vayntrub
Mary Priya Kansara
Martin Dubois Malachi Kirby
Annie Shapiro Liz Kingsman

Crew

Phil Lord Director / Producer
Christopher Miller Director / Producer
Drew Goddard Screenwriter
Ryan Gosling Producer
Amy Pascal Producer
Aditya Sood Producer
Rachel O'Connor Producer
Andy Weir Producer / Author
Greig Fraser Cinematographer
Joel Negron Editor
Daniel Pemberton Composer

Videos

Official Trailer

Soundtrack

  1. Project Hail Mary (Original Motion Picture Score) — Daniel Pemberton

Trivia

  • The complete interior of the Hail Mary spacecraft was built as a practical set rather than relying entirely on virtual environments.
  • Rocky was created through a combination of practical puppetry and visual effects, with James Ortiz leading the on-set performance.
  • Principal photography took place in the United Kingdom during 2024, including work at Shepperton Studios and several exterior locations.
  • The production used large-format ARRI Alexa 65 cameras and composed selected imagery for expanded 1.43:1 IMAX presentation.

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