“Project Hail Mary” at Indian Lake Theater | June 18-21, 2026
- Indian Lake Theater 6311 New York 30 Indian Lake, New York, 12842 United States (map)
“Project Hail Mary” Lands at Indian Lake Theater
Ryan Gosling stars in “Project Hail Mary” at Indian Lake Theater.
Science fiction and the Adirondacks may seem worlds apart, but this July they come together at Indian Lake Theater in the heart of the Central Adirondacks.
From July 18–21, Project Hail Mary arrives on the screen in Indian Lake, bringing one of the year's most talked-about science-fiction adventures to one of the Adirondack Park's most beloved independent theaters.
For residents, visitors, and anyone looking for thoughtful entertainment beyond the trailhead, the screening offers another reminder that some of the best movies in the Adirondacks aren't found in megaplexes—they're found in community theaters where the audience still feels connected to the experience.
A mission to save the sun.
When science teacher Ryland Grace awakens aboard a spaceship, he has no memory of who he is or how he got there. Alone, disoriented, and millions of miles from Earth, he slowly pieces together his identity and the purpose of his mission.
What emerges is a race against time. A mysterious substance is causing the sun to dim, threatening life on Earth. As Grace recovers fragments of his past, he realizes he may be humanity's last hope.
Armed with scientific knowledge, creativity, and an extraordinary capacity for problem-solving, he must unravel a cosmic mystery before it's too late.
Adapted from Andy Weir's bestselling novel—the author behind The Martian—Project Hail Mary blends science, suspense, humor, and heart into an adventure that reaches far beyond traditional space-opera territory.
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Watch the official trailer.
Before seeing Project Hail Mary at Indian Lake Theater in Indian Lake, viewers can get a preview of the film's scale, mystery, and emotional stakes in the official trailer.
The trailer introduces Ryland Grace's awakening aboard a mysterious spacecraft, the growing threat facing Earth, and the surprising discoveries awaiting him among the stars.
Get a glimpse of why Project Hail Mary is one of the most anticipated science-fiction films playing at Indian Lake Theater and other Adirondack cinemas this season.
A smart science-fiction crowd-pleaser.
The film stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, bringing both humor and vulnerability to a character tasked with an impossible mission. Behind the camera are directing duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, known for balancing spectacle with character-driven storytelling.
Like The Martian before it, Project Hail Mary leans heavily into real science and ingenuity rather than superhero-style solutions. The result is a film that invites audiences to think alongside its protagonist while still delivering suspense, wonder, and large-scale visual effects.
Critics have praised the movie's intelligence, emotional depth, and ability to make scientific problem-solving genuinely exciting. Many reviewers have highlighted its optimism—a refreshing quality in contemporary science fiction.
Some critics have noted that the film occasionally prioritizes scientific explanations over pacing, particularly during its more technical moments. Yet even those reviews generally acknowledge that the story's emotional core keeps the journey engaging.
Ryland Grace (Gosling's character) worked on research with an international team of space scientists including Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller) before embarking on the mission to save the sun. Photo credit: Jonathan Olley/Amazon MGM Studios
Why it deserves the big screen.
Some films simply work better in a theater, and Project Hail Mary is one of them.
The vastness of space, the intricate visuals, and the sense of discovery benefit enormously from a large screen and a shared audience experience. While streaming can deliver convenience, it rarely matches the impact of seeing a film like this in a darkened theater surrounded by fellow moviegoers.
That experience feels especially meaningful at Indian Lake Theater. As one of the Adirondack Park's treasured independent theaters, it offers something increasingly rare: a chance to enjoy cinema in a community-centered setting rather than an anonymous multiplex.
For travelers exploring the Central Adirondacks, catching a movie after a day on the water, a hike, or an afternoon exploring town can be a welcome change of pace. For local residents, it's another example of how Adirondack arts and culture continue to thrive in small communities.
Families should also note that children 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, making this an especially appealing outing for younger science-fiction fans.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Best enjoyed as an evening screening after a day exploring the Central Adirondacks—especially for fans of smart science fiction, space adventures, and stories that reward curiosity.
For showtimes, tickets, and updates, visit Indian Lake Theater's website or Facebook page before heading to town.
In the film Project Hail Mary, middle school teacher Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling) goes on a interstellar journey and conducts lab science in space in a quest to save humanity. Photo credit: Jonathan Olley/Amazon MGM Studios
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