If the world was threatened, and you could help, would you step up? What if you knew it would cost you your life? That’s the question posed to Dr. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) in the new film Project Hail Mary, which opens nationwide on Friday. The answer turns out to be one of the most fun and heart-warming films of the year so far.

The film is based on the novel from Andy Weir, the author behind The Martian. This is another story set in space that moves in some unexpected directions. It is scripted by Drew Goddard and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, creating something exciting and memorable that is the best film of the year so far.

In the film, Grace wakes up in deep space. He’s shaken and confused. He doesn’t remember who he is or how he got there. And it turns out he’s all alone. The others on the ship—the pilot and the engineer—didn’t survive the journey. All that leaves Grace trying to remember how he got there and what to do on this mission in deep space.

Through a series of flashbacks, we learn the answers to those questions. A discovery made from a probe to Venus discovered a mysterious force feeding on the Sun—and other stars in the galaxy. That puts a timeclock on Earth. But there’s hope. There’s a star in deep space that seems to be resistant. How is it resisting, and can that be applied to Earth, is a question scientists have to answer.

Grace is a talented scientist whose approach and theories made him an outcast. But it makes him a perfect person to work on this project and seek these answers. Eva (Sandra Hüller), the leader of a coalition from around the world seeking a solution, cajoles Grace into helping take on this mission.

Back in space, Grace comes across a creature from another planet, Rocky (James Ortiz), whose taken on a similar mission. Together, these strangers have to come together and answer the question of how to save the galaxy.

I really enjoyed The Martian. It is a solid novel that was translated into a fun and entertaining film. That film was scripted by Goddard, who plies the same talent to this story from Weir. It is similarly fun and entertaining—though it feels like it has a completely different spirit. This film actually has a greater sense of comedy.

That comes in part thanks to Gosling, who is the perfect actor to slot into this role as Grace. But it’s also a credit to Lord and Miller. The duo gave us 21 Jump Street, The Lego Movie, and Into the Spider-Verse. By contrast, this film is more serious and has more pathos. It also feels more ambitious in crafting a big, science fiction epic. But it has that same sense of humor and emotional intensity that keeps you hooked to the story on the screen.

This film has a great look and feel. The crafting of the ship for Grace and Rocky gives it a fascinating visual look. So, too, does the work to create deep space and distant planets and stars. The visuals add to the intensity and the look of the film.

But this comes down to the story, and the unexpectedly beautiful friendship between Grace and Rocky. Gosling is great in the lead role. He brings a sense of humor and also a great balance of emotions. He plays beautifully off Rocky, voiced by Ortiz, in some crucial and emotional sequences. The flashback sequences also provide context and balance to the story and help tie it all together.

Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they’re just ordinary scientists that get roped into a mission they never expected and never wanted. Grace is a hero. Rocky is a hero. And their journey together is engaging, fun, and heart-warming. Project Hail Mary is the best film of the year so far and well worth the trip to the theater.

Project Hail Mary opens nationwide on Friday.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.