This may only be one of Interstellar's themes, but it's one of its grandest and is the one the ending directly explores. The balance of the survival of an individual and of the whole of humanity looms over Interstellar from the start and haunts every major character; both Cooper and Brand find themselves dictating their opinions on the mission based off how it regards their loved ones. Dr. Mann serves as a more oblique example of this. He jeopardises the whole future of humanity out of his desperation, happily self-absorbed in his personal survival over the species', despite being aware of his error. The belief that humans are inherently selfish is integral to the plot; Dr. Brand Snr. took it upon himself to hide the extinction of Earth-humans, believing the general population wouldn't be able to accept what is, in his eyes, better for the future of the species over their own lives. By the end this is challenged and proven untrue, but that doesn't stop the self-assumed best (Mann and Brand) in believing they are in some way the protectors of the race along the way. The ending is one of hope, with the pioneering ideals that allow humanity to evolve in a social sense allowed to exist. We are always meant to push ourselves as a species, which is best shown in the microcosm of Cooper. At the start of the film, he feels he's born in the wrong time, with his desire to venture to new frontiers unfulfillable on the ravaged Earth. By the end he finds himself in a time where he, and in a greater sense humanity, can live their dreams. What were your thoughts on Interstellar? What did you make of the ending? Let us know in the comments below.
