Metro Manila, Philippines – Early reactions to the sci-fi epic, “Project Hail Mary,” are overwhelmingly positive, with journalists and critics praising the film as “imagination unleashed” and highlighting Ryan Gosling’s performance as a potential awards contender.
Based on the novel by Andy Weir, the film follows science teacher Ryland Grace (Gosling), who wakes up alone aboard a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there. As he pieces together his mission, he realizes he is humanity’s last hope to prevent Earth’s extinction.
The film was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and also stars Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, Ken Leung, Liz Kingsman and James Ortiz.
Journalist Liam Crowley described the film as “perfect,” writing on social platform X: “Imagination unleashed even better than I pictured it on the page. How Gosling captivates throughout a largely one-man show is beyond me — your earliest Best Actor contender. … What a beautiful display of companionship. Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. And genuinely funny! An absolute must-see theatrical experience.”
Variety editor Jazz Tangcay also praised Gosling’s work, calling it “a career best,” and commended the cinematography by Greig Fraser.
Writer Kevin Verma highlighted the film’s visuals, calling it “an IMAX-worthy” experience with “incredible visuals and a pulsing score.”
“Project Hail Mary” lifts off in Philippine cinemas on March 18.
