The suspense…

How could you do this to me ZM? Yes, you…you know who you are. That suspense you made me sit through…whew…after close on three hours I finally got to breathe out. Wow. Interstellar (2014) was  (is?) quite something. Something I never expected. Something I hadn’t considered watching until it was recommended to me two weeks ago. My reasons for “avoiding” it…well, I’m generally wary of Sci-Fi movies, especially those around which a big hype is made (and that hype-avoidance isn’t restricted to the Sci-Fi genre I must tell you). But slowly these “realistic” Sci-Fi movies are growing on me…Arrival being another one I enjoyed.

So…what had me glued to the screen and oblivious to much going on around me? The story of a near to totally destroyed earth. One where dust and corn are the only things thriving (corn…just, just…not sure how much longer). Nothing much more. And in this, a quest to find an alternative planet (or even planets) to populate and ensure the survival of our species. And…this planet isn’t in our solar system. Nope, the plan is to find one in another galaxy (or is that solar system?). By means of zooming through a wormhole. Naturally things like time, fuel, human issues all come to play and we feel like these brave characters are utterly helpless. But the plot is more than just this…there is something else to it…something quite thought provoking. As if the almost-reality of a ruined earth isn’t thought-provoking enough. But…so that you likewise need to sit through apprehension, I won’t disclose much more.

Christopher Nolan once again pulls it together so well (ok, ok, many more cast and crew members are involved) and the acting ensemble gels too. And what a interstellar (sorry…couldn’t resist) cast we have: Matthew McConaughey (who I’m liking more and more as an actor), Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Mackenzie Foy (wow, promising actress), David Gyasi, Matt Damon, Topher Grace, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, John Lithgow and the list goes on….

What really struck me was the brilliant soundtrack (or lack thereof). Nothing could hit home that vastness of space as…silence. How utterly powerful a lack of sound could be. And the musical score where it was available was just as excellent. The appropriate balance of a “classical” score with a modern one. But then, having Hans Zimmer take care of this could only bring success.

At times heavy (because of the totally plausible state of things) but always intelligent and thought provoking, this movie is one I’ll have going through my mind for a while yet. The what ifs and hows will definitely be pondered upon when triggered in my day-to-day life.

Give it a watch. You won’t regret the time (in some far out stellar locations you’ll spend almost the equivalent of 21 earth years watching this one).

So…ZM, this one’s for you. And also for the Outer Space on Film Blogathon hosted by Moon in Gemini…go through this wormhole to read some others: Wormhole.