One of the most award-winning biopics of the last few years has been added to Netflix. The streaming service recently added a number of top-rated films and TV shows to its catalogue for UK and Ireland subscribers and one of them is an biopic that many people have praised as “outstanding”. Among the newly released titles and Netflix in June is The Theory of Everything starring Eddie Redmayne and Feliciy Jones.
The Theory of Everything was originally released in 2014 and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, currently scoring 81% on Rotten Tomatoes. The biopic charts the life and work of Stephen Hawking and his undeniable impact on the world of physics and science in general. After its success in cinemas, it was nominated for five Oscars and scooped one for Eddie Redmayne as he won the Best Actor prize. The film shows the struggles that Hawking faced in his life and career, having been diagnosed with motor neuron disease at the age of 21.
In an uplifting and inspiring cinematic journey, the scientist defies the odds and becomes one of the most famous faces in the worlds of science and academia. It charts Hawking’s life from falling in love at Cambridge University to his deteriorating health and personal struggles in the face of hardships.
Critics praised both Redmayne’s and Jones’ performances in the film as well as the way in which the story was told, leaving viewers emotional after seeing it. As well as an Oscar, the film received three BAFTAs, two Golden Globe awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award, among other accolades at various film festivals around the world.
It’s clear that viewers remain touched and impressed by this film to this day, with film fans returning to the flick as it recently landed on Netflix. One viewer left a review of the film on Rotten Tomatoes and called it “outstanding”, calling it a “brilliant” movie about a brilliant man.
Another wrote: “Totally inspiring and mind-blowing experience. I couldn’t control my tears. Sir Stephen Hawking is the most inspirational person I’ve ever seen.”
A third commented: “The outstanding performances by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones make this movie exceptional. The film exposes the painful truth of Stephen and Jane Hawking’s relationship degrading as they grow up rather than the clichéd representation of a relationship that makes it seem completely wonderful, which makes the film realistic and emotional.”
Meanwhile, viewers also left reviews on IMDb, with one saying: “Encompassing all the best parts of films like A Beautiful Mind by Ron Howard but creating its own signature and style to the biopic genre, James Marsh’s gorgeous and beautifully compelling The Theory of Everything, the true story of Stephen and Jane Hawking, is a sensitive piece of filmmaking that stands as one of the finest movie efforts of the year.”
Another shared: “What a wonderful accomplishment of a film by James Marsh (Man on Wire) who brings such depth and beauty to the life/love story of Stephen and Jane Hawking. The film is adapted from her novel on their life and brings forth much of the love and tenacity necessary to care for and love someone going through great physical struggles over time.”