Reel Mental Podcast: Project Hail Mary
By Brian Eggert | August 20, 2026
Dear readers (and listeners),
I went a little mental on Dr. Marcia Sirota’s Reel Mental podcast. Admittedly, even though it’s a critical faux pas, I can’t stop comparing Project Hail Mary to the far superior book.
The Ryan Gosling starrer is one of the year’s most beloved movies. For me, it was the year’s biggest disappointment so far, given how the movie resolves to treat its audience like dullards, catering the science-first book to an America that values feeling and beliefs over hard facts. And when everyone seems to love the movie, it’s even more maddening.
On the latest episode, Dr. Sirota and I discussed my issues with the movie and why she adores it. We had a great discussion and healthy debate.
Thanks to Dr. Sirota for welcoming me back so recently after our Disclosure Day episode. Watch/listen here or on the player below, and be sure to subscribe to Reel Mental.
Check out my other podcast conversations on the Guest Appearances page.
Enjoy!
Brian Eggert
Critic, Essayist, Founder
Deep Focus Review
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Brian Eggert | Critic, Founder
Deep Focus Review
