Project Hail Mary is Awesome

The Importance of Consuming (and Creating) Good Stories

I love a good theater experience. There’s something special about going out and enjoying a movie on a big screen with an audience. Done well, I get sucked in to the story, oblivious of the world around me. 

            When first heard about Project Hail Mary, I picked up the book from my local library and devoured it within days. I knew the movie would be coming out in about six months, and I was so stoked to go and see it. That is, if it was done well. 

            Opening day came, and my siblings and I went to see it on the giant screen at our favorite local theater. I was not disappointed. The whole film—characters, plot, settings, music—drew me in. I was no longer just sitting in my theater; I had entered the world of that story, even though I knew what was going to happen. 

            Not only that, but I left the movie with deep thoughts about the ideas presented. Friendship. Self-sacrifice. Fear. Wonder. It added a bit to how I look at the world. 

            That’s what good stories do. They shape us. Enhance our vision. And the best ones reflect the greater Truth that the ultimate Storyteller offers us. 

            What stories have shaped you? What inspires you to live better? And what do you look for in a good story?

            Many stories add to the mythos of my worldview. They shaped who I am and how I interact with the world, how I develop relationships. 

            Sam carrying Frodo to the heart of Mount Doom, only to watch his best friend succumb to the call of the Ring. Yet he remains faithful, and they return to save the Shire, where Sam builds a beautiful life. 

            Ethan Hunt clings for life to the wing of a biplane. Not only does the fate of the world rest on his shoulders, but also the fates of his friends. 

            Captain Picard faces his greatest battle with the Borg, only to realize that the greater threat may be his own heart and desire for revenge.

            Janner wrestles with his calling as the Throne Warden. He must protect his unruly brother—High King—and redeem a fallen country. 

            I could add many more stories to this list, for I carry them with me wherever I go. Most of the time, I’m not consciously aware of it (unless I meet a Star Trek fan in public, and we can geek out together). Though not “real” in the sense of them actually happening, they do portray Truth. 

            But simply speaking Truth isn’t enough. Plenty of Christian books and movies try to do this but end up with an uncompelling story that should really just be a sermon. To make a good story, you can’t rely on the message to carry you through. The story has to be the message. 

            How are the characters? Are they believable or one-dimensional caricatures? Do they have a goal to achieve? Obstacles in their way?

            And consider the plot, the story arc. While there are many structures to choose from, all involve following a character or characters on their journey to confront a problem and accomplish an ultimate goal. Do the scenes flow together? Does it leave appropriate unanswered questions? Is the resolution satisfying?

            I’m pretty picky about the stories I consume. I don’t want to waste time on the cheap and cheesy. Even if it’s just a fun story (like Twisters or The Fall Guy), I want to enjoy the ride and feel satisfied at the end.

Project Hail Mary felt so authentic because of the detailed work that went into the creation of both the book and the movie. In the book, Andy Weir presents a wonderful look inside the mind of Ryland Grace. We get to discover the story world along with Grace, and all the while his identity unfolds to reveal (SPOILER) he is, in fact, a coward. But that’s not where the story ends. Grace is presented with the chance to redeem himself, and he learns to overcome his fear through the same self-sacrifice Rocky demonstrated. 

            The movie adhered pretty well to the book, and the story remains much the same. The realism is enhanced by beautiful practical effects. I’m a sucker for practical effects use over VFX, and this movie really let them shine. (Check out Adam Savage’s video exploring some of the work done on set.) 

            While consuming good stories can add richness to your life, consumption alone is not valuable.

            We are called to create. I’ve mentioned before Tolkien’s word sub-creator. Being made in the image of a creative God, we have the capacity to create. He gave us imaginations, and it’s a shame to squander them. 

            I’ve been writing a lot recently, working on a story series that I hope to get to publication in the near future. I could keep these stories for me and my siblings, but how much more wonderful could they be if they inspire others?

            Creating stories in everyday life will look different for each individual. We’ve all been gifted with diverse passions and callings. It’s up to us to pursue them.

            Do you write? Study the craft and work on writing good stories. Fiction or non-fiction, short story or novel, article or blog post, it doesn’t matter. 

            For the artists, your painting, drawing, or sculpture has the capacity to capture someone’s imagination. What art did you see that first sparked the desire in you? You can be that spark for someone else.

            Filmmakers? There’s a need for good movies and shows. Many—not just Christian productions—have sacrificed story making for the sake of preaching a message. That message stands to be better received if it has a good story to back it up. 

            What if you don’t feel very creative? At least, you may think that way. Stories come in many aspects of life, even and perhaps especially the ordinary.

            Gardeners, your plot shares a story of life and symbiosis.

            Bakers, each loaf can display redemption. 

            If you care for animals, you can be their voice and share the simple beauty of their lives.

            Teaching is an act of storytelling—the story of how the world works and a young person’s place in it.

            Wherever you look, there is a story to be seen and told. I still urge discretion, as some stories herald darkness. Look for the redemption, for the greater Truth that will last forever. These last for generations. 

            I’d love to hear more from you! What stories have shaped you? And what stories do you want to share?

            P.S. For more discussion on Project Hail Mary, I really love the episodes from No Dumb Questions on both the book and the movie.