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Entertainment • Film

Interstellar

Interstellar is a 2014 epic science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan and co-written with Jonathan Nolan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Interstellar is a 2014 epic science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan and co-written with Jonathan Nolan. It follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a habitable world as Earth becomes increasingly uninhabitable. The film combines space exploration, family drama, and speculative science.

Plot

The film follows former NASA pilot Cooper and a team of astronauts as they travel beyond the solar system to find a new home for humanity. Their mission is tied to two survival plans for the human race: one involving a gravitational solution for evacuation, and another involving colonization of another world.

Cast and production

Interstellar was directed by Christopher Nolan and features an ensemble cast led by Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine. Nolan co-wrote the screenplay with Jonathan Nolan.

Ending

At the end of the film, Cooper transmits quantum data to Murph through a tesseract, helping humanity survive. He later wakes on Cooper Station and then leaves to find Brand on Edmunds’ planet.

Reception and genre

The film is generally classified as an epic science fiction adventure with strong dramatic and emotional elements. Its plot combines speculative physics, space travel, and themes of survival, family, and sacrifice.

Key facts

  • Set in a dystopian future where Earth is suffering from catastrophic blight and famine.
  • The story follows astronauts sent through a wormhole near Saturn to search for a habitable planet.
  • Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway are among the lead cast members.
  • Christopher Nolan directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Jonathan Nolan.
  • The ending is open-ended, with Cooper heading toward Brand after the events around the tesseract and Cooper Station.
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Canadian context

Interstellar had theatrical release and home-media circulation in Canada like other major Hollywood films, and it remains widely discussed by Canadian audiences interested in science fiction cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Interstellar about?
It is about astronauts traveling through a wormhole to find a new habitable world for humanity while Earth becomes uninhabitable due to blight and famine.
Who directed Interstellar?
Interstellar was directed by Christopher Nolan.
Who stars in Interstellar?
The film is led by Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine.
Is Interstellar based on a true story?
No. It is a fictional science fiction film, though it uses ideas inspired by real astrophysics.
What is the ending of Interstellar?
Cooper sends quantum data to Murph from inside a tesseract, helping save humanity. He later awakens on Cooper Station and departs to look for Brand.
How long is Interstellar?
Its runtime is 2 hours 45 minutes.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_(film)
    Supports: Release year, director, cast, and basic plot overview
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Interstellar
    Supports: Director, plot, and open-ended ending
  3. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/interstellar_2014
    Supports: Runtime and synopsis
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816692/
    Supports: Synopsis and cast
  5. StudioBinderhttps://www.studiobinder.com/blog/interstellar-explained-meaning-plot-summary/
    Supports: Ending explanation and plot details