Is Project Hail Mary THAT good? (spoilers: yes)

March 31, 2026·34 min·3 clips

Can men have friends? And the answer is yes, but only if the future of humanity is at stake.

Mark Kermode and his co-host Jack discuss the new Phil Lord and Chris Miller film *Project Hail Mary*, starring Ryan Gosling. The episode centers on their shared enthusiasm for this science fiction blockbuster about an astronaut and an alien. Kermode recounts seeing the film in IMAX with no prior knowledge of its plot, including the pivotal alien encounter. The story follows Gosling's character, Grace, a teacher turned astronaut sent on a solo mission to save Earth from a stellar-consuming organism. He eventually befriends an alien being nicknamed Rocky, who faces a similar threat to his own planet. The hosts note the film's creative team includes cinematographer Greig Fraser and highlights a cameo by Meryl Streep providing a translation device voice. They delve into the central theme of an unlikely friendship bridging a communication barrier, comparing it to the dynamic in *Silent Running*. Kermode describes *Silent Running* in detail, focusing on Bruce Dern's character forming bonds with non-verbal drones after a desperate act. He shares an anecdote about interviewing that film's effects designer, Doug Trumbull, who prioritized emotional truth over scientific accuracy. The conversation praises Ryan Gosling's performance for blending dramatic weight with comedic timing, particularly in solitary moments and interactions with Rocky. They analyze how directors Lord and Miller specialize in stories about loneliness and connection, citing *21 Jump Street* and the *Spider-Verse* films as prior examples. Jack suggests characters like Rocky and Sandra Hüller's scientist exhibit autistic-coded traits, emphasizing the film's focus on learning to communicate across differences. They contrast the film's approach to language with the more meticulous *Arrival*, arguing *Project Hail Mary* prioritizes charm and thematic resonance over procedural realism. Kermode posits that science fiction's power lies in using high concepts to explore human experiences like isolation more truthfully. The hosts find the film's message of cross-cultural cooperation particularly poignant given current global divisions. The tone is conversational, enthusiastic, and analytical, weaving personal viewing experiences with film history comparisons. This episode will delight fans of character-driven science fiction, listeners interested in directorial style, and those seeking a positive review of a major studio release. Viewers strictly interested in plot-heavy spoilers or critical takedowns might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A spoiler-heavy, affectionate take on why this sci-fi story keeps working.

Mark Kermode and Jack spend the episode on Project Hail Mary as a big sci-fi film with a real emotional pull. They are best on Ryan Gosling, whose mix of drama and comedy gives the film its charge, and on the little pleasures of its language games, especially the…

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Why you'd press play

For a spoiler-heavy, IMAX-sized sci-fi listen that still cares about loneliness.

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