Project Hail Mary (2023) is a science fiction film adapted from Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name, known for his earlier work The Martian. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher turned astronaut who wakes up alone on a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there or what his mission entails. Over time, he learns that he is humanity’s last hope, on a one-way mission to save Earth from an extinction-level threat.

In the story, Earth faces a dire crisis due to a microorganism called “Astrophage,” which is absorbing solar energy, leading to a potentially catastrophic drop in sunlight reaching Earth. Grace eventually recalls that his mission is to find a solution by studying a distant star system that seems immune to Astrophage’s effects. As he investigates, he encounters Rocky, an alien from another planet also affected by Astrophage, and the two form an unlikely and deeply impactful friendship, united in their quest for survival.

The film blends hard science with humor and tension, much like The Martian, focusing on themes of resilience, ingenuity, and cooperation across species. Project Hail Mary received early praise for its adaptation of Weir’s engaging, science-focused storytelling and for Gosling’s portrayal of the isolated yet determined protagonist. The novel’s unique blend of suspense, problem-solving, and heart translates well on screen, making it one of 2023’s anticipated sci-fi releases for both fans of the book and new audiences alike.