Review: Interstellar

Well, here we are. Many peoples and my most anticipated film of the year.

With Director Christopher Nolan leading the way, we are surely in for something completely different.
The best thing about Nolan, is that his films have stories that we do not ask for and yet they are ones that we need.

With this latest installment, we see Nolan take us to the stars and beyond our own galaxy. The Dark Knight director explores the use of space and time, and not just in our world.

What we get is something seen as more of an event then a feature film.

Firstly, the film may be approaching three hours, but it in no way does it feel like that whatsoever. I was never bored and was totally gripped by the story from the opening scene to the closing credits.
But like with all Nolan features, you cannot lose concentration and highly recommend not to take a toilet break during your visit to the cinema.

As we get to know the situation Earth is facing, we are involved in a story that sees the human race push themselves to the limit of survival.
With the story cranking up more and more across the galaxies, it perfectly sets us up for a finale that will sell the film.
However, the conclusion that Nolan gave was something that will divide audiences, just like 2001: A Space Odyseey did in the 1960's. What I saw, I got and hopefully understood. But it was definitely not the ending I was expectng or perhaps wanting.
One thing that the final part of the movie that it resembled was one of the Doctor Who series finales. I won't say which one as that would spoil it. But it is something that will definitely make or break the film when putting it with other great sci-fi's.

Despite that, the positives for this film are at a high-level and are over-flowing.
Nolan always brings out the best in his actors. Matthew McConaughey's character is great and is an emotional core to the film. However, it is Mackenzie Foy that steals the show as her relationship with McConaughey wins us over in the first half of the film.
As the film goes on, the performances of Jessica Chastasin and Anne Hathaway gives it more depth. There was one great minor role that definitely surprised me, not just in the performance but on who was doing the performing. I obviously will not spoil that surprise.
The script is always Nolan's centre-piece. Always containing complex theories, this is certainly not one to leave your mind at home for.
One positive that I was not expecting to be a notable one, was the soundtrack. Composed by Nolan's regular music writer Hans Zimmer. The introduction to a creepy organ really gives the film the right amount of tension at the crucial moments. I will certainly be listening to the full score multiple times.
The element of the film that will get the highest praise is its visuals. With beautiful and mysterious events in space engulfing the screen, there will be many moments that will literally be jaw-dropping.

So even with the final act not exactly going the way I think it should have done, I still think Nolan has amazed us once again. His level of ideas remain at the top of the directing pyramid and I'm not saying that as a Nolan fanboy.
Interstellar can bring fans of sci-fi and romance together. This film may been on the surface as a sci-fi epic, but also the importance of love within a family and how far humanity can go. Nolan has produced a tribute to humankind's works and achievements since our evolution breakthrough thousands of years ago.
With a story that will be discussed for years to come, in front of a backdrop that is just awe-inspiring whilst a chilling soundtrack is being played. This is certainly Nolan's attempt of a masterpiece. For me, it falls slightly short of the perfect Inception in my opinion, but you just have to give credit where its due for its high level of ambition.

Rating: 9/10.