In Andy Weir’s *Project Hail Mary*, the character Rocky may appear intimidating: a dog-sized, five-legged rock spider lacking a face. Nonetheless, in the 2026 film adaptation, he has emerged as a beloved figure in contemporary sci-fi. In this installment of *How It Hits*, writer Belen Edwards explores how the filmmakers employed facial psychology, collective scientific culture, and practical puppetry to create a genuine “movie magic” connection between Ryan Gosling and his alien counterpart. *Project Hail Mary* is currently in theaters.