Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar is galactic in scope, offering cutting-edge visual effects, thematic heft, and a story that acts as a shake-and-bake existential crisis.

In depicting Earthly collapse, the film summons massive sandstorms and changing attitudes about science. The irretrievability of time is on display as well, both in Cooper leaving Earth behind, and in time dilation in proximity to the black hole.

Perhaps most important to the film is the idea of love as a fundamental force of the universe. This worldview is vindicated by Brand being right in wanting to follow her heart when deciding their destination, and Murph's ability to communicate with her father across time and space.

Multiple set pieces stand out such as when Cooper is forced to dock with their disabled ship under extraordinary circumstances. The black hole itself is mind-bending in rendition and was partly brought to life with the help of physicist Kip Thorne, lending a high level of credibility to the depiction.

The film is scored excellently, with music always matching the mood. The booming quality of the audio is not only apparent in our action sequences, but also during such moments as the reading of "Do not go gentle into that good night".

The physical sets, props, and costuming are all outstanding.

The ships, both the Endurance and the Ranger, are effective pieces of NASA-punk tech. They managed to strike the right balance between being visually interesting, but familiar, and seeming plausible. The interiors are brought to life with highly tactile control panels and a stark but unified visual identity. Costuming, particularly the design of the space suits, was excellently executed.

Heavy but Heavenly, Interstellar is an unparalleled viewing experience. Is it easy? "No, it's necessary."