123 min - Biography | Drama | Romance

Review: Kimberly Mungle

This movie was NOT on my radar initially, but several weeks ago my 14 year old daughter came home and told us she *had* to see it. I suspect that her reasons had more to do with a crush on Eddie Redmayne (who portrays Hawking in the film) and less about the accomplishments of Hawking in the fields of mathematics and theoretical cosmology. I could be wrong though, she loved the film as much as I did.

Although Theory addresses Hawking’s achievements and touches on the success of his best selling book A Brief History of Time, its main focus is on his condition (ALS) and the effects of it on him and his wife Jane (played by Felicity Jones). It portrays the aftermath of his diagnosis in a realistic way and it was sometimes heartbreaking to watch. The movie covers several decades (60s through 90s roughly) and catalogs the onset and eventual paralysis of Hawking. In the film, Hawking’s wife is his main caregiver and the tender and intimate relationship they shared is apparent on screen. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones did an exception job in their roles and will surely be recognized during awards season.

I honestly cannot say anything bad about this film. The sets and scenery were en point (I appreciate when a film gets the clothes, hair and scenery correct for the decade), the writing and story were poignant and the acting excellent. There are no explosions or gratuitous sex scenes in the film, so if that is your thing you might skip this one. But if you are looking for a well acted and moving story, this one more than qualifies. You’ll leave the theater with a better understanding of Hawking’s academic abilities and a greater respect for those fighting ALS.
4.5 out of 5 stars