Matthew McConaughey stars in the film “Interstellar” as former NASA pilot Cooper, a farmer and father of two, living in a future during a second Dust Bowl that is destroying what is left of Earth. The journey he embarks on is powerful and poignant, taking turn after turn and keeping the audience precariously perched on the edges of their seats.
The movie begins with no warning that the world is any different than the one we live in — the long introduction is somewhat confusing as the story of the world’s demise unfolds. Don’t let the slow start turn you off though, because the movie only gets better from there.
Once the plot thickens and the audience’s attraction to the characters grows, this movie will leave you with your jaw on the floor and maybe even a tear in your eye. All 2 hours and 49 minutes of this film are indisputably enchanting, both because of the interplanetary setting and the acute human relationships.
The futuristic setting is significant, but not overwhelming. Subtle hints like the integration of robots and technology make the time period more obvious to the audience, but without the crushing obviousness of most end-of-the-world movies. In fact, the robots even add an aspect of comic relief.
If you’re not interested in science fiction, there’s no need to worry — somehow director Christopher Nolan manages to focus the audience’s attention on the chemistry between the characters, despite the fact that the plot is focused on apocalyptic and aerospace science. It tells the tale of both human loyalty and betrayal to the planet, the human race and family.
Cooper’s team is composed of a few famous faces who each have a unique role in his story; Professor Brand (Michael Caine), his daughter Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway) and Dr. Mann (Matt Damon) are all significant players in the attempt to save the earth, each with different priorities, leaving the audience to ponder where their own moral standing lies.
For decades, Hollywood has attempted to make realistic space movies, most of which leave something to be desired. “Interstellar” does not once make the viewer question its authenticity, and there are even moments when you’ll wonder if they actually went up into the blackness of space to get their footage.
This film exceeds the expectations of the average sci-fi movie, in both content and execution. McConaughey’s character succeeds as a family man and as a strong leader, and despite the heavy and complex premise of the movie, the viewer feels hopeful for our species and our planet upon leaving the theater.