Project Hail Mary
By Quinn Martindale ‘27, Editor-in-Chief; Edited by Safiya Ahmed ‘27, Editor-in-Chief
This March, Project Hail Mary, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, arrived as a new look at space exploration, human conquest, and our place in the universe.
Based on the novel by Andy Weir, the story focuses on middle school science teacher Ryland Grace who wakes up with amnesia, drifting through space. As his memory returns, he discovers that he has been sent on a crucial mission to save humanity by solving a complex riddle behind a substance that is causing the sun to die. Luckily, he isn’t doing it alone. On his journey he meets an alien lifeform, a rock-like friendly creature he names Rocky, whose home planet is suffering from the same issue. Together, the two use scientific mastery and teamwork to confont the common danger they are facing and save their homes.
While on the surface it may seem like a conventional science fiction tale, and perhaps it is to some extent, there are themes that have relevance in today’s society.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize how much the film pushes the idea of connection, even though it looks different. It first appears in Grace’s relationship with Rocky, they are two different species, but they work together to find a way to communicate and problem-solve efficiently, something humans struggle with doing even on Earth. There is also a connection to our universe, Grace is so far from home, with his journey taking decades, but he finds a way to observe his place in the galaxy and finds a way to become connected to it more deeply.
It teaches the audience that there is more than Earth, and it’s easy to see how us and our problems are insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but this can allow us to become more deeply attached to our place in the universe. The film did a great job at reminding us that we should always look at the bigger picture (even the universal picture).
Visually the film is stunning. The cinematography was a mix of surreal, high contrast space sequences blended with almost “animal planet” inspired movements. It was an easy film to get lost in due to its beautiful shots and exceptional CGI. The vivid depictions of space really challenges our imaginations to what lies beyond and checks our limited understanding on what we know about existence.
Were there moments I felt were a bit lackluster? Yes. Any corny moments? Absolutely. But overall I felt this was a solid film that will be a classic that inspires a whole new generation to dream big and fuel a strong love for space, and that is “Amaze.”
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
