Note: This review covers the adaptation of the book to movie form. If you have not read the book, or even seen the movie, please understand that the review will contain spoilers as I will be discussing the translation of certain moments from page to screen. Thank you for your understanding.
I’m going to be very honest and upfront about something. I was late to the Project Hail Mary party. Very late. So late, in fact, that I didn’t read the book until about two weeks ago (early March 2026). I made a point to finish the book before the movie came out, but the book had been on my TBR for years.
After I devoured the book, I was ecstatic to have to wait so little time until the movie. I bought tickets to the Thursday night showing just before the movie “officially released,” ready to see Dr. Grace and Rocky and everything (and everyone) else involved.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the marketing videos and pictures only increased my excitement. It truly looked like the producers, director, and cast took the project seriously. I was pumped and I admit that I went into the movie with very high expectations.
And those expectations were not only met but exceeded in so many ways. This movie was beautiful. From the timeline jumps to the visual effects, I was stunned with how well they pulled this movie together.
There are, of course, some changes and omissions from the book. It is almost impossible to squeeze information from any book thoroughly into a movie that has to mind its length and the feasibility of proper execution. But what was present in the movie was fantastic. There was comedy, heart, endearing strength and courage, and absolutely stunning visuals that made me hold my breath (don’t worry, I was fully aware I was holding it).
First off, let’s talk about Rocky. I vaguely imagine a weird little rock spider alien guy, like some kind of weird Pokémon thing, when Weir described Rocky. And that is exactly what we got in the movie and I LOVED it. Rocky looked exactly as I imagined him (albeit a little smaller). And he was so endearing. I love that they gave him a voice because the notes trying to translate would not work as well in the movie like it did in the book. Ryland was there but couldn’t translate the whole time.
Second, there is a gorgeous Petrova Line sequence that is absolutely to die for. I won’t explain it because you need to experience it for yourself, but it is gorgeous.
Third, I love how they adapted Weir’s impeccable humor and how Ryland both takes himself seriously and doesn’t at the same time. Gosling did a fantastic job.
Forth, the only complaint I had was that Ryland didn’t have much time to do any science measuring stuff before meeting Rocky in the movie. He learns pretty easily that he is in space. But that is understandable as pacing needs to be maintained for a movie where in a book it can pass a little more slowly without an issue. But I would liked to have seen him do a little science to “prove” he really was in space and that it wasn’t a prank or something. Let Ryland flex those brain muscles for the audience.
All in all, the movie was gorgeous, amazing, and endearing. I am considering going back to see it another time before it comes out. I’m in school still so we’ll have to see on that. Even if you aren’t a science-driven person…even if you haven’t even read the book. I absolutely recommend that you see the movie. Two massive thumbs down (that’s a good thing, I promise).
The Book Wench 