262 - Project Hail Mary & the Astrophage v2

In episode 262 of Drink the Movies, hosts Brian and Michaela dive into the 2026 sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling as Rylan Grace, a disgraced molecular biologist turned reluctant space hero. The film follows Grace as he awakens aboard a derelict spaceship with no memory, only to discover he’s on a suicide mission to save Earth from a dying sun. With the help of an alien named Rocky—a puppet-controlled, voice-performed by James Ortiz—the two form an unlikely bond while solving a cosmic mystery involving mysterious 'dots' and a mysterious substance called astrophage. The episode is packed with spoilers, celebrating the film’s emotional depth, stunning visuals, and inventive science-based storytelling. The hosts highlight the film’s themes of friendship across species, the power of curiosity, and the importance of science education, while also praising the practical effects, IMAX cinematography, and the heartwarming dynamic between Gosling and Rocky. They also discuss the film’s cultural impact, its potential Oscar buzz, and even recommend a themed cocktail called the Astrophage Version Two.