What would you do if you woke up to find yourself alone in a spaceship years from Earth with no idea how you got there?
The new film “Project Hail Mary” explores that premise and more as it follows a former grade school science teacher with a PhD in molecular biology named Ryland Grace, played by Ryan Gosling, as he uncovers the reasons behind his unexpected deep-space mission and its incredible urgency.
Based upon the book by author Andy Weir, who penned the sci-fi novel, “The Martian” which was also adapted into an acclaimed film, “Project Hail Mary” is a tour-de-force celebration of science and technology and the importance of friendship and teamwork. [Note: No spoilers, but this makes much more sense if you’ve seen the film!]
I Love Libraries was fortunate to attend an advance screening of “Project Hail Mary,” and it knocked our socks off. The film is an impressive amalgam of deep-space wonder reminiscent of “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Gravity” and realistic depictions of science in action like the aforementioned “The Martian,” with moments that recall “Arrival,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and “E.T.”
In short, we loved it.
And we also love Weir and his work. In a special message for I Love Libraries, Weir—who was a guest speaker at the American Library Association’s 2017 Annual Conference—shares his love for the library and its limitless offerings and opportunities. Watch it below, then catch “Project Hail Mary” in theaters March 20.
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