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The Universal Theory

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2:22

The Universal Theory

Released Sep 27, 2024

1h 58m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

70%

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30 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Set in 1962 at a quantum mechanics conference in an isolated lodge nestled amid the towering landscapes of the Swiss Alps, THE UNIVERSAL THEORY is the story of a gifted young physicist, his curmudgeonly mentor, and an enigmatic jazz pianist who knows things about our wunderkind scientist that he's never told another living soul. German director Timm Kröger--himself also a cinematographer--films his tale with an eye for the majestic natural beauty that surrounds our characters, effectively evoking the paranoid postwar era. Driven by astonishing twists and improbable coincidences, THE UNIVERSAL THEORY unravels a captivatingly complex chronicle with brain-tickling suspense.

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Jonathan Romney

Financial Times

... It is entirely its own exotically original thing. Catch it while it is on the big screen, where its widescreen brilliance truly flourishes.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 23, 2024

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

An impenetrable plot doesn’t entirely hold together, but the film is worth a look for fans of wigged-out sci-fi, gorgeous framing and lush, orchestral, Bernard Herrmann-inspired soundtracks.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 16, 2024

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

The script, by Roderick Warich and Kröger, isn’t quite as nifty as its famous models, but it has its own grim integrity, especially with the jarring last frames.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 10, 2024

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Alexa Dalby

Dog and Wolf

It’s amazing, absorbing, dreamlike, much too long, cleverly done and it enjoys the journey rather than the destination.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 10, 2025

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

... becomes lost in its convoluted maze of misdirection and narrative gimmicks.

Oct 12, 2024

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Michael Atkinson

LA Weekly/Village Voice

...before long you’ll realize the film is not going to answer any of its own questions.

Oct 1, 2024

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Chris H

I love the way I knew I wouldn't get closure so personally, I really enjoyed. Something orson welles about it. And Hitchcock. Soundtrack is absolutely on point.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/22/25

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lionel p

Cinema needs more of these offbeat, ambitious outliers. Evokes feelings as ineffable as the film itself. Alphaville comes to mind.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

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Stephen H

Uninspiring convoluted storyline. No emotional engagement. Unsatisfactory conclusion. Not sure what happens to key characters. Don’t waste your money.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

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Timm Kröger

Director

Jan Bülow

Johannes

Olivia Ross

Karin

Hanns Zischler

Strathen

Gottfried Breitfuss

Blumberg

David Bennent

Kommissar Arnold

The Universal Theory: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Set in 1962 at a quantum mechanics conference in an isolated lodge nestled amid the towering landscapes of the Swiss Alps, THE UNIVERSAL THEORY is the story of a gifted young physicist, his curmudgeonly mentor, and an enigmatic jazz pianist who knows things about our wunderkind scientist that he's never told another living soul. German director Timm Kröger--himself also a cinematographer--films his tale with an eye for the majestic natural beauty that surrounds our characters, effectively evoking the paranoid postwar era. Driven by astonishing twists and improbable coincidences, THE UNIVERSAL THEORY unravels a captivatingly complex chronicle with brain-tickling suspense.

Director: Timm Kröger
Screenwriter: Roderick Warich, Timm Kröger, Roderick Warich, Timm Kröger
Distributor: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co: Catpics Coproductions, Ma.ja.de. Fiction, The Barricades, Panama Film
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: German
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 27, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 58m

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