Movie Review: The Theory of Everything

A deeper look into the life of Stephen Hawking beyond his scientific brilliance and eminence.

By Nicole Ang

PHOTO: Focus Features

The Theory of Everything

Biography, Drama, Romance [PG13]
Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox, Maxine Peake
123 min

Adapted from Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, a memoir by Stephen Hawking’s ex-wife Jane Wilde, The Theory of Everything chronicles the personal and professional life of the renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist. The film provides an insight into his life beyond his public persona — before and after the onset of motor neurone disease.

The opening sequences of the film are a flurry of events — the audience is quickly shown how Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and Wilde (Felicity Jones) are brought together. The pace of the film discernibly slows down with the discovery of Hawking’s illness, giving ample screen time for the key focus of the film — the eventful life of the couple. The audience follows the couple as they manage the demands brought about by Hawking’s disability and the start of their family while coping with their respective desires and dreams. As their relationship and Hawking’s scientific career progress, his condition begins to degenerate. This stark contrast elicits dichotomous emotions — joy for his successful relationship and career, yet grief for the creeping onset of his illness.

For those concerned that the film may be too scientific or abstract to grasp, the theories are kept to a minimum and artfully conveyed for the general audience. Screenwriter Anthony McCarten masterfully distills some of Hawking’s complex theories regarding cosmology and quantum physics, by using digestible analogies such as milk swirling in a coffee cup, and a comparison between potatoes and peas.

Redmayne, who recently bagged the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globes for his portrayal of Hawking, delivers a visceral performance that rightly deserves the plaudits. His convincing portrayal of Hawking’s degenerating physical abilities is coupled with a strong emotional showing. Redmayne’s enactment of Hawking’s frustration at his inability to accomplish basic tasks such as feeding himself, in particular, is emotionally compelling.

Multiple sobering scenes enacting Hawking’s difficulties are sure to strike an emotional chord with the audience. The experience is best summed up during a dinner celebration upon receiving his doctorate, which ends with him alone, silently and painstakingly attempting to drag his body up the stairs. Scenes like these illustrate Hawking’s lifelong tension between possessing great brilliance and being trapped within a failing shell of a body that leaves him incapable of basic day-to-day functions.

Apart from Redmayne’s palpable portrayal of Hawking, Jones is equally impressive as his loving and self-sacrificial wife. These showcase Jane Wilde’s tenacity as she meanders through life in the Hawking household. The film brings to light the character and story of Wilde — the sacrifices she made, as well as her emergence as a strong and mature woman who is capable of balancing the pursuit of her PhD, and handling the household.

Many of the scenes in the film that deliver an emotional punch are those where little is said between the characters, yet much is conveyed through their eyes and physical expressions. Emotions such as joy, frustration and regret are vividly depicted, well-chronicling the highs and lows of their marriage. The audience witnesses their relationship being put against the test of time, alongside the building strain of caring for Hawking. Director James Marsh skilfully captures these poignant moments, which are interspersed along their journey as a couple.

To date, the film has received much praise and numerous award nominations, which are not unfounded. Through the relatable lessons that can be drawn from Hawking’s story — to display tenacity in the face of grim circumstances, and to love fearlessly — the film ultimately serves up an inspirational take on life that is sure to resonate with many.