Unexpected Surprises of Project Hail Mary
I jumped on the Project Hail Mary bandwagon recently. Starting with reading the audiobook (would definitely recommend this if you haven't read it yet) and then watching the movie.
*** Project Hail Mary spoilers commence ***
I went into the book blind, which was excellent because I had no idea what was coming! There were so many surprising things ("we're meeting alien life forms!!??"), but these are the two that stood out the most.
Meeting an alien didn't mean violence
I was so surprised when the Hail Mary encountered another ship, but then I was concerned. I waited for them to attack or the Hail Mary to attack... and I was pleasantly surprised when no one did! Not only that, but they overcame their huge communication differences and worked together for the greater good.
But there was still time for someone to be betrayed. I was incredibly concerned Rocky was going to be taken to Earth and experimented on, and instead something lovely happened!
There was love but no romance
I have nothing against romantic love, but it is typically the default in our stories. I enjoy finding stories that are about other types of love. In Project Hail Mary there was Grace's love for his students and, of course, his love for Rocky. The hardest goodbye wasn't between Grace and his girlfriend/wife (he didn't have one), but between Grace and Rocky when they leave for their home planets, never to see each other again.
The biggest surprise was that these things are so unusual. I just love that this turned out to be a peaceful adventure between two aliens deep in the universe, trying to save their homes.
If you want to discuss this more, or have suggestions of media about non-romantic love feel free to email me.