One of the perks of studying abroad is having an awesome Resident Director. One that plans fun and easy events like Movie Nights. During our first week or two here, he took us to an outdoor theater to watch Interstellar. Having nothing else to do that night, and having never seen the movie, I wanted to go. Prior to this, I only really knew about the movie from making one of our chapter’s E-Board members’ posts and also seeing a couple of TikTok edits. So, I had no idea what I was going into and honestly no expectations. I fully thought it would be another movie like the film Gravity (with Sandra Bullock), but it wasn’t. It was so much more.
This review will beat around the bush because, thankfully, despite seeing some clips of the film on TikTok, nothing could have ever prepared me or spoiled this film for me through those clips. Everyone deserves to watch this film with a blank slate and an open mind. I think a part of this memory of seeing this film, the environment I was in amplified it. I was surrounded by my peers, all but one I did not know yet, and went through watching this film all for the first time. As a general consensus throughout the movie, we all pretty much shared the same emotions, reactions, and understandings of scenes at the same time, which really enhanced the experience watching it.Â
But onto the film itself, the story surrounds a father who works with NASA on a mission to find a new home for humans. Through his love and curiosity for space and finding what more is out there conflicts with his love to care for his family. Throughout the film, he debates and has to decide what the best option is for not only him, but his family and humanity. The weight of the world sits in his hands.
What I liked about the film was how clever it was. It seemed like at every point you thought you understood what was happening, a plot twist happened and now the severity and situation completely shifts. Plot twists you genuinely had trouble predicting and couldn’t prepare for. All throughout the film, you were genuinely on your seat, with your jaw on the floor. There were moments where the girl next to me and I, despite not knowing each other, were grabbing each other from shock and continuously repeating “no way” after letting out the biggest gasp. I don’t think I have had such a physical reaction to a film like that since probably Anora (for comedic purposes) or Obsession. But with Interstellar, humor or jump scares didn’t trigger these reactions, but simply genius writing and plot buildup. Despite how long the film was, it genuinely didn’t feel dragged out or tiring. Once the movie finally ended, there were just no words to say. We all just sat there in amazement but also in silence.Â
This was genuinely one of the most enjoyable and well-put-together movies I have seen in a very long time. It is very original, in my opinion, and stands so well on its own that I think it could be, and should be, considered a classic. It may be too new for that title for now, but truly a generationally good movie. With all that said, if you haven’t, do yourself the pleasure of watching this film. Everyone deserves to see it, as it will truly take your breath away.