Interstellar plot summary (spoiler-free)
In the 2060s, Earth is in decline. Famine is spreading, harvests keep failing, and humanity’s future is becoming harder to imagine. Cooper is a single father raising his children on a farm, and he shares a close bond with his sharp, curious daughter, Murph.
Cooper is drawn into a secret NASA effort led by Professor Brand. A wormhole has opened in space, and it may offer a route to distant planets that could support human life. Cooper agrees to join a small crew, including Brand’s daughter, on a long-range expedition through it. The crew travels with hibernation technology and robotic companions.
The mission is dangerous, but its greatest cost is personal. Near black holes and extreme gravity, time behaves differently. Every decision the astronauts make affects how much of their loved ones’ lives they will miss back home. What follows is a race against time that is also a story about a father and daughter separated by unimaginable distances.
What makes Interstellar notable: cast, director and context
Interstellar is directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jonathan Nolan. The film blends adventure, drama and science fiction. It balances space travel, wormholes and quantum mechanics with an intimate family story. As its tagline puts it: “Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.”
The cast includes:
- Matthew McConaughey as Cooper
- Anne Hathaway as Brand
- Michael Caine as Professor Brand
- Jessica Chastain as Murph
- Mackenzie Foy as 10-year-old Murph
- Ellen Burstyn as older Murph
- Casey Affleck as Tom
- Wes Bentley as Doyle
- Topher Grace as Getty
- John Lithgow as Donald
It is a UK–US co-production from Legendary Pictures, Syncopy and Lynda Obst Productions, filmed in English. The running time is 169 minutes. In the US, the film received a 10th-anniversary IMAX re-release in December 2024, a decade after its original run.
Who will enjoy Interstellar? A quick review guide
If you are reading reviews to decide whether Interstellar suits you, it is likely to appeal to:
- Fans of ambitious, science-driven sci-fi that explores black holes, gravity and time dilation
- Viewers who want emotional family drama, especially stories about fathers and daughters
- Followers of Christopher Nolan’s large-scale filmmaking
- Audiences who enjoy long, immersive space adventures made for the big screen
- Anyone drawn to dystopian survival stories with a hopeful sense of exploration
Interstellar release date and where to watch in the US
Release dates (US):
- Premieres: New York on 19 October 2014, Los Angeles (TCL Chinese Theatre / California Science Center) on 22 October 2014, and Los Angeles again on 26 October 2014
- Limited theatrical release: 4 and 5 November 2014
- Wide theatrical release: 7 November 2014
- First digital release: 31 March 2015
- Blu-ray / DVD: 31 March 2015
- 4K Ultra HD: 29 December 2017
- IMAX 10th-anniversary re-release: 6 December 2024
- Prime Video digital release: 3 August 2026
The film is rated PG-13 in the US.
Streaming: Interstellar is available on Amazon Prime Video, including the ad-supported tier. It is also on Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ Premium, and through the Paramount+ channels on Amazon and Roku.
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex, FlixFling and JustWatch TV Store.
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Streaming catalogues change often, so check your chosen service for current availability.
Trailer
Cast
Matthew McConaugheyas Cooper
Anne Hathawayas BrandSee credits →
Michael Caineas Professor Brand
Jessica Chastainas MurphSee credits →
Casey Affleckas Tom
Wes Bentleyas Doyle
Topher Graceas Getty
Mackenzie Foyas Murph (10 Yrs.)
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When was Interstellar released in the US?
- Interstellar opened in limited release on 4 November 2014 and went wide in US cinemas on 7 November 2014. It premiered in New York and Los Angeles in October 2014. A 10th-anniversary IMAX re-release followed on 6 December 2024.
- Where can I watch Interstellar in the US?
- You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, including the ad-supported tier, and on Paramount+ Essential and Premium. It is also available through the Paramount+ channels on Amazon and Roku. You can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
- Who is in the cast of Interstellar?
- Matthew McConaughey stars as Cooper, alongside Anne Hathaway as Brand and Michael Caine as Professor Brand. Murph is played by Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy and Ellen Burstyn at different ages. The cast also includes Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, Topher Grace and John Lithgow.
- How long is Interstellar?
- Interstellar runs 169 minutes, which is about 2 hours and 49 minutes.
- What is Interstellar rated?
- Interstellar is rated PG-13 in the United States.
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