Project Hail Mary (2026)
A reason to return to IMAX theaters at light speed.
Presentation:
Written specifically for Ryan Gosling in mind, Project Hail Mary is the first blockbuster of 2026 with heartwarming laughs. It’s not a family movie, but the permeating humor makes it feel like one if not for the fact that its science fiction shouldn’t be able to be grasped by children. This IMAX experience should be witnessed in theaters especially with the score because at home some of the immersive disorienting effects lose their luster. The cinematography involves a lot of shifting aspect ratios to indicate flashbacks and rotating dutch angles, which were appropriate for the low gravity scenes. I found it mostly gimmicky and jarring watching on a computer monitor, though this visual diversity does have strong retention editing. Like Greig Faser’s recent work, his forte is in lighting, which has a premium look implementing volumes in a seamless way. But with everyone praising the cinematography, I feel compelled to clarify that the credit for image making should largely go to the CGI team and production budget. The alien is different, fresh, and most importantly lovable to the point that it turned from the Ryan Gosling show to the Rocky show. He brings the same silly Barbie energy and humor into space.
Conclusion:
A high concept popcorn blockbuster alien movie for contemporary audiences. This movie is on trend, providing a meaningful escape and reason to go back to theaters. With the pessimism of technology and politics in 2026, a light hearted departure from mysterious serious space movies is welcome. I mean, the contrast with Gosling’s performance in First Man is head-spinning. More than that, there’s a much needed feel good pick me up from this film that audiences crave, which is reflected by the film’s popularity. I don’t think the emotional connection is as powerful as Interstellar, but its chemistry is more palatable in 2026 than E.T. Definitely worth the price of admission, just don’t expect a deep or substantial space epic.
Recommendations
A reason to return to IMAX theaters at light speed.