The Science of the Times: A Project Hail Mary Commentary

Nothing beats sitting at the cinema watching a movie for the first time and thinking to yourself, “Wow, this is why I love movies.” Project Hail Mary did that for me. I am no sci-fi nerd but this film made me realize why people love to study science. It had Interstellar meets Memento meets E.T., all with Stranger Things-esque, universe-saving stakes at hand. It is a tale of friendship, memory, and hope that everyone deserves to see in theaters.

Based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir, the film explores the story of science teacher Dr. Ryland Grace who wakes up from a coma on a spaceship with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As he slowly gains his memory back, he uses his scientific knowledge to unravel the mysterious substance that is causing the sun to die out. We see a heartwarming middle school teacher passionate about the field of science become a worldwide hero. It blends humor with compassion; it gets your heart racing while still leaving you with the biggest smile on your face. It is one of those movies a child and their grandparent can watch together and both equally appreciate.

The scene generating the most buzz from the movie features when actress Sandra Hüller performs a rendition of Harry Styles’s “Sign of the Times.” If anyone has watched Saturday Night Live in the past couple of weeks, Harry Styles made a cameo when Ryan Gosling hosted the show, and a week later, vice versa. When Ryan Gosling hosted, he, too, sang a cover of Styles’ debut single. Why that song in particular? The song plays during a scene of Hüller’s Eva Stratt singing karaoke to a group of military officials and scientists on a ship in the middle of the ocean as they are about to launch a dangerous mission into space. The mission, to find this substance that is killing the sun, is said to be an ultimate suicide mission where the astronauts will unfortunately have to give up their fates in space for the means of saving the world. So, as one does before they know they are about to die, they get drunk and sing karaoke. Now, despite Hüller’s character not being one of the astronauts going on the mission, she still dazzles the audience with her powerful performance. Still, why “Sign of the Times?” Why not something less modern like Bowie’s “Space Oddity?”

Here is one plausible answer: Styles’s song delivers a powerful message about facing unavoidable change and chaos, trying to urge a sense of calmness in what appears to be a world bound for death and pain. Few songs better encapsulate the movie’s themes–even if one knows their tragic fate, they can still choose to enjoy their final moments to the fullest. Furthermore, it touches on sacrifice, another layer here. One person’s fate may help save billions of people even if it means dying on this journey. To be truly selfless is to see the world before you and to know that you may have to risk it all to save humanity. The lyrics of the song also explore themes of humanity repeating past mistakes and finding hope. Even when the times are broken, the best one can do is put the world first and try once more. 

This is not to say that “Space Oddity” would not have been an incredible needle drop, but I want to highlight the role of Styles’s song. It adds a sense of youth and familiarity that the movie ultimately embodies. It is not nearly as heartbreaking and cathartic compared to some of its original score counterparts, like those in Interstellar, but succeeds in the range of emotions it draws from. Sign of the Times has several witty, comedic moments despite its weighty focus, just like Project Hail Mary. A needledrop like “Sign of the Times” can connect generations watching the movie, bringing those who grew up with Harry Styles and One Direction together with those now nostalgic for emotionally expansive films like E.T.. 

Needledrops are one of my favorite parts of movies because they have the power of using music to elevate the feel of the film. Once that song is used, it can suddenly become associated with the movie. What would Almost Famous be without “Tiny Dancer?” What would Fight Club be without “Where is My Mind?” Using a modern-day song by a popular pop singer brings a new generation of iconic needledrops. I wonder what else could be in store for later this year… 

Music can help bring movies to life; maybe movies resurrect certain songs, too. Their combination reminds us how art can go hand-in-hand. There is no true cinema without music. There is no music without poetry, or dance, or opera (sorry Timothée Chalamet). I am grateful that there are movies out there like Project Hail Mary that reflect the magic of cinema and collaborative art more broadly. Buy that ticket, go to the theater, watch Nicole Kidman give her speech, and enjoy the magic that is seeing a movie. Keep this medium alive, if you can. Then, of course, blast “Sign of the Times” on the way home.

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Scarlett Smithen is a freshman in the SFS who loves Ryan Gosling. Like love loves him. Like a lot.