“Project Hail Mary,” the highly anticipated sci-fi comedy from directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, has garnered overwhelmingly positive first reactions from film critics and journalists ahead of its March 20 release. Many are hailing the film as a “must-see space odyssey” and a potential “major awards player” for next year’s Oscars.

Film critic Eric Marchen lauded it as “the first great blockbuster of 2026,” emphasizing Lord and Miller’s masterful direction, Greig Fraser’s “out-of-this-world cinematography,” and a “stellar Ryan Gosling performance.” Adriano Caporusso praised the film’s blend of a “’Short Circuit’ bromance” with a “pulse-pounding space epic,” highlighting its ability to bring “true humanity to the centrestage” alongside “jaw-dropping visuals.” Scott Menzel declared it a “masterpiece” and an “epic cinematic achievement,” asserting that Lord and Miller have once again raised the bar, delivering their most ambitious and accomplished film to date. Similarly, TV host Jeff Conway commended its “successfully sophisticated blend of humor, sci-fi, drama and suspense,” with Gosling as the “shining star” and Sandra Hüller as the “tender heart.”

While Globe and Mail film writer Barry Hertz noted some minor script reservations, he conceded that they were easily overshadowed by Ryan Gosling’s “galaxy-sized charms,” likening the film to “’INTERSTELLAR’ without all the ~stuff~.” Other reactions on social media further solidified the film’s status, describing it as “masterful,” “beautifully done,” “deeply human and heartwarming,” and “pure joy.” Many critics specifically called out Gosling’s performance as a “career best” and an early “Best Actor contender,” noting his ability to captivate audiences in what is largely a one-man show.

Based on Andy Weir’s 2021 novel, “Project Hail Mary” stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a brainy school teacher who awakens alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth with no memory of his journey. As his recollections return, he uncovers an outlandish mission to travel across the galaxy to prevent a mysterious entity from causing the sun to black out. The film also features a talented supporting cast including Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, Ken Leung, Liz Kingsman, and James Ortiz.

At Comic Con 2025, Gosling, alongside Miller, Lord, and screenwriter Drew Goddard, unveiled the film’s initial five minutes. Gosling expressed his connection to his character, Ryland, describing him as an “ordinary person in an extraordinary situation.” He related to Ryland’s initial reluctance and terror, admiring how the character, despite having given up on himself on Earth, finds the courage to persevere and believe in himself again, making for an inspiring journey.