Review of Interstellar (2014) by Ethan P — 04 Feb 2016

Interstellar is overwhelming. It's a stunning film to watch with its dusty, dying earth, the amazing technology and the harsh, icy landscapes they discover. The film has incredible spectacle with its epic undertaking and groundbreaking mission. It's characters are rich and it's awesome to see Matthew McConaughey stack up another great performance. It is full of desperation and exploration, which combine to make a very absorbing story. And while most space films focus on the technology and lack the human element, Interstellar feels very human and packs a lot of emotion. I think that comes mostly from the fact that McConaughey's real mission is to survive and save his children and the central idea that love is more powerful than science can explain (even if that's a little corny). The narrative is very interesting and their pursuit of another planet, along with the betrayal and deception, is an awesome one. Interstellar is worth watching just to marvel at, to be immersed in its spectacular atmosphere and mind-blowing ideas.

But I also think the film tries to do way too much with its premise. The black holes, worm holes and inter-dimensional travel is fascinating, but ultimately even more confusing. I got lost in all the theories and explanations and the end where he travels through time to send his daughter a message was hard to digest (I've also heard the science that it revolves around is iffy). Christopher Nolan also hits you over the head like a million times with his symbolism (the watch, the books, the ghost), even though some of the foreshadowing is very well done. There's too much going on and it's almost as if the director is trying to see just how much crazy shit he can weave into one movie. He does it very well, but there's too much of it. It is an exhausting experience, at almost 3 hours running time. Interstellar will fascinate, perplex you and leave you emotionally, spiritually and intellectually drained by the time it's over.