Interstellar Review

Abbie Faith, Editor

Interstellar takes place in the near future. Earth is ravaged by blight, which is killing the major crops necessary for human survival. Compounded with the lack of food is the ever-present dust from the Dust Bowl that plagues earth’s inhabitants with breathing issues and other health problems. Interstellar is a thought-provoking and engaging film filled with intense action and gripping emotion.

The hope for existence on earth is bleak, so scientists send astronauts Brand (Anne Hathaway), Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), Doyle (Wes Bentley), and Romilly (David Gyasi) to explore promising new planets via a wormhole in space. The story focuses on Cooper and his family, mainly on his relationship with his 10-year-old daughter, Murph, played by Mackenzie Foy. Cooper must face the decision of carrying on the human race in the unforgiving and unfamiliar void of space or returning home to his family.

The movie is visually stunning. The scenes that take place in space do not look manufactured; it feels as though the viewer is entrenched in the struggle side-by-side with the astronauts. Although some of the theories seem slightly far-fetched, it is easy to imagine humans in a situation such as that in Interstellar. The relationships are developed deeply; Cooper’s devotion to his daughter and family is both heart-wrenching and profound. McConaughey’s acting is stellar as he portrays a distraught father who is stuck in space watching helplessly as the human race is slowly dying.

One minor downside to Interstellar is the in-depth and somewhat confusing plotline. As the astronauts travel deeper and deeper into space, the laws of physics are morphed; gravity is greater on different planets, thus slowing down and changing how fast time goes. Characters age at different rates and what are seconds to one person are years to another. Theories of relativity and space are presented briefly, but are not thoroughly explained. The plot is slightly difficult to follow for this reason. However, it is easy to look beyond the complicated theories and focus instead on the emotional side of the story rather than the scientific validity of it.

            Interstellar is not your run-of-the-mill box office hit. The movie, although complicated at some points due to puzzling scientific views, is one that will have viewers on the edge of their seat. Filled with striking graphics and riveting emotion, Interstellar is surely a must-see.

4.5 out of 5 stars.