I have previously read “Three Bodies” as a space science fiction novel and described my impressions of it, but this time I will describe my impressions of “Project Hail Mary,” which I found as interesting as the three bodies.
Incidentally, Project Hail Mary is scheduled to be made into a movie in 2026.
Brief Synopsis
Project Hail Mary” begins with the grandiose premise that the Earth is facing an unusual solar depletion phenomenon that, if allowed to continue, will result in a colder planet and threaten the extinction of the human race. In order to identify and solve the cause of this problem, scientists have launched the “Hail Mary Project. One science teacher and scientist, Ryland Grace, is entrusted with a mission to an unknown star system.
However, when Grace wakes up, he is isolated in the spaceship and does not even remember who he is or why he is there. Gradually, he regains his memory and understands his mission to save the Earth and the responsibility he has taken on. His lonely struggle in space, which begins with amnesia, takes the reader on an overwhelming journey of adventure.
The oddities of the setting: amnesia and narrative structure
The work opens with the protagonist waking up in a spaceship in a state of amnesia, a unique setting that instantly draws the reader into the story. The process of the protagonist gradually remembering his purpose and situation is as exciting as unraveling a mystery, and is a very clever device to draw the reader into the story.
The structure of the story is also superb. The story alternates between current events on the spaceship and episodes from the past, when the project was underway on Earth. This technique, while a bit confusing at first, helps the reader to become deeply immersed in the story as the background related to the current events is gradually revealed. This switching between past and present gives the story depth and tension, and is an element that makes the reader want to read the story in one sitting.
Science and grand challenges: the tension of collecting tumefaction
One of the most memorable moments in “Project Hail Mary” was when, feeling helpless against the astrophages that were devouring the sun’s energy, the protagonist, based on the idea of the food chain in nature, came up with the idea, “Don’t astrophages have predators, too?” This is the scene where the protagonist comes up with the idea that astrophages may have predators, based on the idea of the food chain in nature. This idea is as simple as Columbus’ egg at first glance, but it is surprising in its application on a cosmic scale. The challenge to collect the predator tau-mavers discovered in this way is depicted through a spectacular attempt to use a 10-km chain, and the sense of scale and scientific reality is overwhelming.
In particular, the sense of accomplishment at the moment of successful capture of the tau mover makes the protagonists feel as if their efforts have been rewarded, and as readers we can share in that joy. However, the story does not end with the capture of the tau-mavers, and from that point on, troubles occur one after another. The sense of despair is overwhelming when it is discovered that the tau-mavers cannot survive in the environment of the solar system and, specifically, that the mere presence of trace amounts of nitrogen will kill them. The film depicts Ryland and Rocky’s attempts to overcome these problems by using their wits and ingenuity.
One of the most impressive solutions was the artificial creation of nitrogen-tolerant tumefaction. The method of adding nitrogen to the environment in minute quantities and gradually selecting varieties that adapt to it to make them tolerant is both scientific and creative, and I was impressed by the “Oh, I see. I was impressed. This development of overcoming difficulties one after another by making full use of scientific theory and practical ability gives the story a sense of urgency and reality, and also shows readers the potential of science.
Friendship with Rocky: New Perspectives on Aliens
What was particularly memorable in this film was the interaction with the alien Rocky. The detailed description of Rocky’s form and function from a scientific perspective sets this work apart from other science fiction works. Rocky’s ecology, which is depicted utilizing knowledge of physics and chemistry, is extremely realistic and convincing despite being a work of fiction.
Furthermore, the relationship between the aliens is also novel. In general, in science fiction films, aliens often fail to communicate with each other, become wary of each other, and end up clashing (for example, the dark forest theory in “Three Bodies”). In this film, however, Rocky and Grace come to terms and cooperate with each other, and a friendship develops. This relationship is the main attraction of the story, and the way they face their difficulties with all their wits about them makes you want to cheer them on. I felt like cheering them on as they faced their difficulties with all their wits.
A clever closing: a fresh start as a teacher
The ending of the story is also very impressive. The main character, Dr. Grace, does not return to Earth, but instead begins a new life as a teacher toward the children of Rocky’s race on the planet Adrian. This ending, while different from a simple happy ending, is in perfect harmony with his character and the themes of the story. His risking his life for the Earth and fulfilling his role as an educator to the children of the aliens is touching and left a deep aftertaste in the story.
Rediscover the fascination of science
Throughout, “Project Hail Mary” is notable for the scientific depictions that color the work. The physics, chemistry, and biology-based settings arouse the reader’s intellectual curiosity and remind him or her of the fascination of science. The fascination with science woven into an epic space story makes this work more than just entertainment.
