Runtime and pacing
The film runs for 156 minutes and moves at a slow, unhurried pace, allowing it to explore scientific concepts and the narrative without rushing.
References:substack.com
Film record
Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary (2026), directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is an American science fiction film that adapts Andy Weir's novel of the same name. The film combines space exploration with a light and humorous tone, centered on a mission to save the Earth.
- Production countries
- United States
- Languages
- English
- Genres
- science fiction film · action film · adventure film · Hopecore
The starting point
Spoiler-free synopsis
Ryland Grace, a science teacher, wakes up aboard an interstellar ship light-years away from Earth without remembering who he is or how he got there. As he regains his memory, he discovers that he is part of a mission to stop a mysterious substance that is destroying Earth's sun.
Before you press play
What to know before watching
Tone and narrative structure
The film combines danger and humor, using a non-linear narrative structure and moments of experimentation in the storytelling to tell the space adventure.
Understanding the reception
What people think
A synthesis of the referenced review and comment excerpts. It represents the consulted sources, not a consensus of all critics or viewers.
What critics highlight
Appreciated aspects
Script and performances
Professional reviews highlight Drew Goddard's script and the performances of Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller, who provide a balance between entertainment and reflection.
Direction and tone
The direction by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller is praised for maintaining a light and fun tone that proves effective in telling a complex space adventure.
References:filasiete.com
Reservations and challenges
Originality
Some critics point out that, although the film is enjoyable, its premise feels familiar and it struggles to achieve a sense of scope or total originality.
References:rogerebert.com
Sources for this guide
Prepared with AI assistance and automated evidence and spoiler checks. This is not a first-hand viewing review or a numerical rating. Internal quotations are not reproduced; references provide the original context.
- wikipedia.orgDocumentary excerpt
- imdb.comSearch excerpt
- thehollywoodoutsider.comSearch excerpt
- commonsensemedia.orgSearch excerpt
- filasiete.comSearch excerpt
- substack.comSearch excerpt
- midlandsmovies.comSearch excerpt
- rogerebert.comSearch excerpt
- substack.comSearch excerpt
Credits
Art department
Charles Wood — Production design
Cinematography
Greig Fraser — Cinematography
Direction
Phil Lord — Directing
Christopher Miller — Directing
Music
Daniel Pemberton — Music composition
Cast
Ryan Gosling — Acting
Sandra Hüller — Acting
Milana Vayntrub — Acting
Lionel Boyce — Acting
Ken Leung — Acting
Liz Kingsman — Acting
Orion Lee — Acting (Xi)
James Ortiz — Acting
Mia Soteriou — Acting
Michelle Greenidge — Acting
Malachi Kirby — Acting
Priya Kansara — Acting
Production
Phil Lord — Production
Patricia Whitcher — Executive production
Ryan Gosling — Production
Drew Goddard — Executive production
Amy Pascal — Production
Ken Kao — Executive production
Andy Weir — Production
Christopher Miller — Production
Rachel O'Connor — Production
Writing
Drew Goddard — Screenwriting
Documented participation
Film companies and organizations
Each relationship distinguishes role, territory, medium and period.
Distribution
VerifiedMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distribution
VerifiedInterCom
Distribution
VerifiedSony Pictures Releasing France
Distribution
VerifiedEagle Pictures
Production
VerifiedAmazon MGM Studios
Versions and cuts
No versions have been documented yet.
Releases by territory
United States · Original release
Related reading
Action cinema: the available sources still do not allow us to tell the whole story
Genre labels connect themes, forms and expectations, but are not universal rules. A scene, tone or isolated device cannot alone explain the organization of an entire film or the history of a genre.
Science fiction: themes, forms and genre intersections
Genre labels connect themes, forms and expectations, but are not universal rules. A scene, tone or isolated device cannot alone explain the organization of an entire film or the history of a genre.
Film connections
Connected films
Non-personalised suggestions built from visible relationships, not popularity.
The Odyssey
- Shares the action film genre
- Shares the United States cinema
- Released in a similar period
- Similar runtime
Disclosure Day
- Shares the science fiction film genre
- Shares the United States cinema
- Released in a similar period
- Similar runtime
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Shares the science fiction film genre
- Shares the United States cinema
- Released in a similar period
- Similar runtime
