Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.

The latest film from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller is ‘Project Hail Mary’, a film I can best describe as optimistic science fiction, something that isn’t all that common in the genre. It’s based on Andy Weir’s novel, following on from the success of Ridley Scott’s adaptation of ‘The Martian’, and stars Ryan Gosling as a teacher-turned-scientist who finds himself on a mission to save mankind.

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a high school teacher who had previously been a promising scientist, before his more unconventional theories saw him pushed out of academia and into the classroom. Years later, that same expertise becomes crucial, as the world faces an existential threat from a mysterious entity feeding on stars, with the sun next in line and global food supplies at risk. Recruited by Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), Ryland is drawn into a task force initially as an advisor, though with the story told between flashbacks and the present-day mission in space, it’s clear he ends up at the centre of it. The film’s key thread revolves around his first contact with an alien lifeform, Rocky, and their efforts to communicate, eventually realising that the fate of Earth is closely linked to that of Rocky’s home planet.

The film makes good use of practical effects and puppetry in bringing Rocky to life, alongside largely practical spaceship sets, and it gives the world a tangible feel even when CGI is used elsewhere. Gosling carries much of the film on his own, or alongside this small alien companion, and his performance has enough charm and warmth to keep things engaging throughout. The tone strikes a balance between humour and genuine stakes, which helps the story avoid becoming too dry despite its heavy scientific grounding.

I’m told the science holds up well, much like it did in ‘The Martian’, and for those familiar with the book this appears to be a strong adaptation. Coming to it without that background, I found it to be a very entertaining and easy film to invest in, with a clear emotional core that centres on Ryland and Rocky’s relationship. ‘Project Hail Mary’ might not push the genre in new directions, but its sense of optimism, humour and compelling storytelling make for a very enjoyable trip to the cinema.

Rating: 4/5

Directed By: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara, Liz Kingsman and Lionel Boyce

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt12042730/