We just saw this in the movie theater and I absolutely loved it, even though I’m not a sci-fi buff. A lot of people I know have recommended both the book as well as the movie, and I’m glad we saw it out on the big screen.

Most of the story takes place in space with some flashbacks on earth. The project is called Hail Mary because it’s a last ditch effort, with no other religious overtones except the main character’s name is Grace (as in saved by Grace) and one line about God: “Do you believe in God?” was answered with, “It’s better than the alternative.”

The story line is absorbing. I’ll forgive that the main character is cast as an American white male, since he’s refreshingly humble, kind, and gregariously ingenious. That also didn’t know what a centrifuge is or does and got that wrong. But most especially, there is a fascinating and positive interaction with an alien that I’ll never forget.

I went into this without having even seen the trailer, and I was glad of it. I think you probably would enjoy this too; it is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time. I give it five stars.