Dune: Part 3 is easily my most anticipated movie of the year. And realistically, unless it’s a complete misfire, it will probably be my favorite movie of the year too. (The book it’s based on, Dune Messiah, is actually my favorite book in the Dune series.)
However, Project Hail Mary is going to put up some very stiff competition. While I hadn’t read the novel before going to see the movie, the film version absolutely captured my imagination. I’ve seen it four times now in the theater (twice in IMAX!), and I’m also listening to the audiobook too.
What is it about this movie that makes me love it so much? It’s a new movie, but it’s already working its way into my all-time favorites list. I’m even planning a Project Hail Mary themed outfit for my regional comic con next year, of course with a plush Rocky as a sidekick.
Film has long been my favorite artistic/storytelling medium, and there are a number of reasons for that. I love how the cinematography, acting, musical score, script, costumes, sound design, sets/visual effects, and so much more all weave together to tell this cohesive story on a big screen.
However, if I had to pick the most important factor that for me, takes a movie from “good” to “great,” it has to be the characters. If the characters don’t compel me, it’s really hard for me to get invested in a story, even if some of the other factors – such as cinematography or the script – are very good.
Ryan Gosling does such a great job bringing scientist Ryland Grace to life in this movie, especially considering that a lot of times he’s acting in scenes all by himself. Grace is a somewhat reluctant hero, and I think that makes him more relatable.
***Spoiler alert!*** The film’s big twist is that Grace didn’t actually volunteer for this mission to save planet Earth; he had to be drugged and forcibly placed in a coma in order to get him on the starship. Grace’s fear about signing up for a one-way mission with a death sentence at the end is understandable, especially since he’s being asked to die lightyears away from earth in the empty blackness of space. That twist makes the film’s final story beat even more powerful, when he sacrifices his surprise opportunity to return to earth in order to turn around and save his new alien best friend, Rocky. The film’s ending, where Grace now lives on Rocky’s planet, at peace with his decisions, hits me in the feels every time. ***End spoilers.***
And speaking of Rocky, it’s so incredible to me that a creature without facial expressions can still convey such emotion and relationship depth. A huge shout-out to puppeteer James Ortiz and the other members of the team that brought Rocky to life. Grace and Rocky’s unlikely friendship forms the beating heart of this movie, and it moves me every single time I’ve watched the film.
The film knows when to lighten the mood with humor, and also when to show the character’s darker emotions, such as frustration, grief, and fear. The cinematography shows off the beautifully haunting vastness of space (seriously, the IMAX scenes in the movie are breathtaking).
This movie features a serious problem – the sun is dying and threatening to destroy life on earth – and the weight of this threat isn’t glossed over. However, the tone of the movie is not one of despair. A light of hope runs through every beat in this story, and I think that’s exactly the kind of message we’re needing today.
I’ve been encouraged to see the audience response to this movie, and perhaps it will inspire people to keep striving for what is good and right. Like Grace and Rocky, we too can aspire to “save the stars.”
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