MOVIE REVIEW | Project Hail Mary – There’s a quiet bravery at the heart of Project Hail Mary, the film adaptation of the beloved novel by Andy Weir. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Ryan Gosling as astronaut Ryland Grace, this ambitious sci-fi epic takes audiences far beyond Earth—both literally and emotionally.
The film begins with a compelling premise. Grace awakens alone aboard a spacecraft with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. Slowly, through fragments of memory and deduction, he pieces together the truth: he was sent on a desperate mission to the Tau Ceti system to save Earth from an extinction-level crisis. It’s a classic science-driven mystery, full of problem-solving, discovery and high-stakes survival.
But what begins as a grand, existential science fiction story evolves into something far more intimate.
At nearly three hours long, Project Hail Mary is undeniably a long watch. From my perspective, some sections feel drawn out, particularly in the middle act where the pace slows and the scientific problem-solving occasionally lingers longer than necessary.
However, my fellow reviewer Zak sees it differently. Zak argues that those quieter, slower moments are essential to the storytelling—time spent building tension, character and emotional weight. In his view, the film is a fully polished piece of cinema that allows its story and characters the room they need to breathe.
And honestly, we both agree on what makes the film truly special.
The masterstroke of Project Hail Mary lies not in the spectacle of space travel or the looming threat to Earth, but in the stillness between two unlikely companions. When Grace encounters Rocky—another lone traveler searching for answers in the vastness of space—the film shifts from science fiction adventure into something deeply human.
What follows is one of the most beautiful friendships seen on screen in recent years.
Separated by species, language and worlds, Grace and Rocky form a bond built purely on curiosity, trust and shared isolation. It isn’t about race, creed or culture. It’s simply about two intelligent beings wandering the universe alone and finding connection in the unlikeliest place. Their growing friendship becomes the emotional core of the story, quietly overtaking the larger mission that brought them there.
And it works.
The film embraces silence and small moments—experiments, shared discoveries, problem-solving sessions that gradually become companionship. You absolutely fall in love with these two characters. By the time the story reaches its conclusion, the emotional payoff is immense.
Yes, there were tears.
While the film’s scale and scientific stakes provide the framework, it’s the connection between Grace and Rocky that elevates Project Hail Mary into something memorable. The ending lands with a warmth and sincerity that reminds us that even in the vast emptiness of space, friendship can still be the most powerful force of all.
We may differ slightly on the pacing, but we walked away agreeing on one thing: the relationship at the centre of this film is something truly special—and the ending is as perfect and beautiful as they come.
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MOVIE REVIEW | Project Hail Mary
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Rating
Aaron: 7.5 / 10 “A heartfelt sci-fi journey whose emotional friendship shines, even if the pacing drifts at times.”
Zak: 9 / 10 “A beautifully polished sci-fi story where every quiet moment builds to a powerful friendship.”
Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light-years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.
Release Date: 19 March 2026
Cinema Experience:
IMAX Returns to Innaloo – A Big Screen Experience Worth Seeing
There are movie nights… and then there are IMAX movie nights.
The launch event on Thursday 12 March at Event Cinemas Innaloo marked the return of IMAX to Perth, and it’s safe to say the experience lives up to the hype. Hosted alongside an advanced screening of Project Hail Mary courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing, the evening showcased exactly why IMAX remains the ultimate way to watch blockbuster cinema.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere felt like a proper movie event. After collecting wristbands at the registration desk, attendees were welcomed with photo opportunities at the Project Hail Mary media wall, complete with photographers capturing the excitement of the evening. A glass of sparkling from the mobile bar in hand, guests then made their way into the newly refreshed IMAX space, where the real highlight awaited.
And that highlight is, of course, the screen.
The IMAX auditorium delivers exactly what audiences hope for: scale, clarity and immersion. Watching a space-based film like Project Hail Mary on the enormous IMAX screen was the perfect demonstration of what the format can do. The visuals were incredibly sharp, with colours that felt vivid and deeply defined. Space scenes in particular looked spectacular, with the vastness of the cosmos filling the massive screen in a way that genuinely pulled you into the story.
The sound design also stood out. The audio was crisp, powerful and perfectly balanced—loud when it needed to be, but always clear. Dialogue remained easy to follow while the larger cinematic moments delivered the kind of rumble and presence you expect from a premium theatre experience.
Beyond the technology, the venue itself impressed. The cinema feels brand new, clean and modern, with very comfortable seating throughout. Some rows feature motorised recliner chairs, while others have standard seating, but across the board the chairs were comfortable and well spaced. The auditorium looked fantastic and clearly benefits from a fresh update.
The overall experience was enhanced by the friendly staff, who kept everything running smoothly throughout the evening. From registration to refreshments and into the screening itself, the event felt well organised and welcoming.
The return of IMAX to Innaloo gives Perth movie lovers something special again: the chance to experience films the way they were meant to be seen. With breathtaking visuals, immersive sound and a screen that completely fills your field of vision, it transforms a normal cinema trip into something much bigger.
Whether you’re watching a brand-new blockbuster or revisiting a favourite film, seeing it in IMAX truly does make it feel like a whole new adventure.
If you’re looking for the ultimate movie experience in Perth, the new IMAX at Event Cinemas Innaloo is absolutely worth checking out.
