What Year Is Interstellar Set In? The Christopher Nolan Movie's Timeline Explained

What Year Is Interstellar Set In? The Christopher Nolan Movie's Timeline Explained

A detailed explanation of the timeline in the movie Interstellar, exploring the years in which the story takes place and the events that unfold over the course of nearly a century.

The Beginning: 2067 and the New Dust Bowl

Christopher Nolan's sci-fi epic Interstellar begins in the year 2067, setting the stage for a future world on the brink of extinction. In this timeline, humanity is facing the challenges of a new Dust Bowl, struggling to survive as natural resources dwindle and food production becomes increasingly difficult.

Mackenzie Foy and Matthew McConaughey on the farm in Interstellar

Mackenzie Foy and Matthew McConaughey on the farm in Interstellar

The protagonist, Cooper, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, embarks on a mission to search the universe for a new home for the human race, leaving his children behind on Earth. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a world in crisis, offering a glimpse into a future where humanity's survival is at stake.

Matthew McConaughey on the poster for Interstellar

Matthew McConaughey on the poster for Interstellar

Time Dilation and Decades into the Future

Interstellar's timeline extends nearly a century into the future, presenting a vision of a world where living on Earth is no longer sustainable. The concept of time dilation plays a significant role in the narrative, as the protagonist's cosmic adventures through wormholes and black holes result in minimal aging from his perspective, despite the passage of decades in the world around him.

Cooper wakes up in hospital in Interstellar

Cooper wakes up in hospital in Interstellar

The movie's exploration of humanity's potential fate and the passage of time offers a thought-provoking portrayal of a future where the boundaries of time and space become integral to the survival of the human race.

Cooper on board the Cooper Station in Interstellar

Cooper on board the Cooper Station in Interstellar

The Conclusion: 2156 and a New Home for Humanity

As the story unfolds, Interstellar spans multiple decades, culminating in the protagonist's return to a world transformed by the passage of time. Despite the challenges and the vast expanse of the universe, the movie ultimately envisions a new home for humanity in the form of a giant space station, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.

Cooper looks at the crops on the Cooper Station in Interstellar

Cooper looks at the crops on the Cooper Station in Interstellar

The culmination of Cooper's journey leads to an exploration of the year 2156, marking the end of a transformative odyssey that spans generations and presents a vision of resilience and adaptation in the face of insurmountable odds.

Old Murph reunites with Cooper in Interstellar

Old Murph reunites with Cooper in Interstellar