It’s only been a week since Project Hail Mary released in theaters, but the warmly enthusiastic reception to it has made it feel like it’s been around for much longer. It’s an optimistic movie that came at just the right time. But the driving factor, the beating heart, of this film isn’t wholly in its human characters. It lies instead with a little alien aptly dubbed Rocky by Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling). Step aside, E.T., there’s a new physical alien buddy in town.
It hasn’t been since 2016’s The Force Awakens and BB-8 that we’ve seen such widespread outpouring of love for a non-human character in a film–not even Grogu made this much of a splash so quickly. The fanart is incredible. The fan-made merch is already extensive. People (me) have been effusive over how much Rocky has made them cry, and how beautiful the friendship between Grace and Rocky becomes throughout the film.
