The vastness of space, a theme central to Ryan Gosling’s novel film Project Hail Mary, unexpectedly found a sonic counterpart in a song about earthly heartbreak and aspiration: Harry Styles’ 2017 hit, “Sign of the Times.” The inclusion of the power ballad, performed karaoke-style by Sandra Hüller’s character Eva Stratt during a poignant farewell scene, wasn’t a studio decision or a music supervisor’s pick. It was, remarkably, the actress’s own suggestion, born from a personal connection to the song’s emotional weight and a serendipitous thematic resonance.
Hüller, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in 2023’s Anatomy of a Fall, explained the origin story in an interview with Rotten Tomatoes. She was compiling a playlist of songs that evoked the feeling of saying goodbye, searching for a track that captured a sense of finality. “It came from a playlist [of] goodbye songs. So I was looking for something that was, like, a final goodbye to someone — that was the first thing,” she said. The choice of “Sign of the Times” proved to be more than just emotionally fitting; it unexpectedly mirrored the film’s narrative of interstellar travel and facing the unknown.
“And then, it was a coincidence, actually, that it was also about space, and going to the sky and all these things,” Hüller continued. “And then I thought, ‘Wow, I didn’t know.’ I know that song, but I never made this connection in my head. … And also, when you sing it, it’s very moving, especially in the last part, where it goes, like, really big.” The song’s lyrics, including lines like “You can’t bribe the door on your way to the sky” and “Just stop your crying, have the time of your life/ breaking through the atmosphere,” took on a new layer of meaning within the context of the film’s desperate mission to save Earth. The song’s inclusion highlights the power of music to amplify emotional resonance and create unexpected connections.
A Daughter’s Approval and the Song’s Origins
Hüller didn’t make the decision unilaterally. She sought the opinion of her daughter, wanting to ensure the choice resonated with a younger audience. “I asked my daughter if it’s actually cool or if it’s just me who finds it cool at almost 48 [years old]. And she approved,” Hüller shared with Entertainment Weekly. This detail underscores the universality of the song’s appeal and its ability to transcend generational boundaries.
“Sign of the Times” was a significant departure for Styles, marking his first official single as a solo artist after his time with One Direction. Released in April 2017, the song quickly became a global hit, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. But the song’s meaning, as revealed by Styles himself, is deeply personal and surprisingly grounded in maternal love.
In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Styles explained that the song is written from the perspective of a mother who is dying during childbirth. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the song’s already powerful emotional core, transforming it into a meditation on sacrifice, loss, and the enduring power of love. The song’s ability to evoke such profound emotions, even without knowing its specific origins, is likely what drew Hüller to it in the first place.
The Unexpected Synergy Between Film and Song
The choice of “Sign of the Times” in Project Hail Mary isn’t simply a case of a well-placed song; it’s a testament to the intuitive understanding of a performer who recognized the song’s hidden depths. The film, directed by James Hawes and based on the novel by Andy Weir, follows an amnesiac astronaut (Ryan Gosling) who awakens on a spaceship with a critical mission: to save Earth from a star-eating phenomenon. The stakes are astronomically high, and the emotional weight of the journey is palpable.
Hüller’s character, Eva Stratt, is a key figure in the film, representing the global effort to address the impending crisis. Her karaoke performance of “Sign of the Times” occurs during a farewell scene, as she prepares to send the astronaut on his perilous mission. The song, becomes a symbol of hope, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. The scene’s effectiveness lies in the unexpected juxtaposition of a pop song with the film’s serious themes, creating a moment of genuine emotional resonance.
The soundtrack for Project Hail Mary, released by Amazon Music, features the full version of “Sign of the Times” alongside an original score by John Powell. The inclusion of the song has already sparked renewed interest in Styles’ debut solo album and introduced a new audience to its poignant lyrics and soaring melody. The film is currently in theaters and is receiving positive reviews for its compelling story, strong performances, and visually stunning effects.
As Project Hail Mary continues its run in cinemas, the story behind the inclusion of “Sign of the Times” serves as a reminder of the often-unforeseen ways in which art can intersect and amplify meaning. The film’s producers have not yet announced plans for a home video release, but updates will be available on the Amazon MGM Studios website. Fans can also follow the film’s official social media channels for the latest news and information.
The success of this unexpected musical pairing invites reflection on the power of artistic intuition and the enduring appeal of songs that tap into universal human emotions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Harry Styles or discovering his music through Project Hail Mary, “Sign of the Times” offers a powerful reminder that even in the face of the unknown, there is always hope to be found.
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