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The Zero Theorem

Play trailer Poster for The Zero Theorem R 2014 1h 47m Drama Fantasy Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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49% Tomatometer 126 Reviews 43% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Hired to crack a theorem, reclusive computer genius Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz) begins to make headway until his controlled world is interrupted by seductive Bainsley (Mélanie Thierry) and turbulent Bob (Lucas Hedges).
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The Zero Theorem

The Zero Theorem

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Critics Consensus

Fans of director Terry Gilliam's trademark visual aesthetic will find everything they've bargained for, but for the unconverted, The Zero Theorem may prove too muddled to enjoy.

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Critics Reviews

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Jason Bailey Flavorwire 06/18/2016
While it doesn't match his previous masterpieces, it frequently manages to recapture the anti-authoritarian spirit and whirling dervish quality of his best work. Go to Full Review
Ty Burr Boston Globe 10/09/2014
Say this for Terry Gilliam: Even when he repeats himself, he's unique. Go to Full Review
John Anderson Newsday 09/25/2014
2/4
Gives one the sense that the ex-Monty Python-ite thinks he's at a filmmaker version of the Last Chance Saloon, manufacturing and recycling as fast as he can. Go to Full Review
JD Duran InSession Film 08/19/2024
B+
The Zero Theorem raises some interesting questions and explores them in a way that’s fascinating, tough to watch at times and also emotional. Go to Full Review
Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 07/29/2022
4/4
Gilliam and Rushin argue that the universe is a cold and empty place, waiting to be filled with our own sense of purpose. Go to Full Review
Kip Mooney Central Track 08/10/2021
Simply put, though, there's just nothing in The Zero Theorem that hasn't been done better before. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Michael D Oct 4 I'm a big fan of Terry Gilliam. I love his movie Brazil. I understand it's not for everyone. But if you liked the movie Brazil and his other creations, there's a damn good chance you will enjoy this movie as well. Give it a shot! See more Dead L Jul 7 Zero must equal 100%! Waltz is outstanding. Love the cinema photography. It's a journey through depression and obsession. See more Stephen L Mar 16 Terry Gilliam’s The Zero Theorem is a film brimming with visual ambition and existential weight, yet it never fully coalesces into the masterpiece it aspires to be. Set in a hyper-stylized dystopia, the film follows Christoph Waltz’s reclusive, socially stunted protagonist, Qohen Leth, as he attempts to solve a mathematical equation that may prove life’s meaning—or lack thereof. Like Brazil before it, Gilliam crafts a world that is both visually overwhelming and thematically dense, but where Brazil thrived in its satirical coherence, The Zero Theorem struggles under the weight of its own ideas. The production design is dazzling, and Waltz delivers a committed performance, but the film’s narrative feels both meandering and overly familiar. It raises grand questions about purpose, technology, and the void of human existence, yet never delivers the cathartic insight one might hope for. At times intriguing, at times frustrating, The Zero Theorem is a quintessential Gilliam film—unmistakably creative but lacking the cohesion that makes his best work truly shine. See more Andrew H Feb 17 Severely underrated thought provoking intelligent film that is quite enjoyable See more Jeremy _ 03/19/2024 Terry Gilliam does such a good job here contrasting We's struggle to mentally survive in a world of hollow pleasures, blinking lights, loud noises, pointless tasks. See more Alec B 11/10/2023 It benefits from a narrowed focus (we see just enough of the futuristic world to get a sense of how it's suffocating the characters) and a strong performance by Waltz. See more Read all reviews
The Zero Theorem

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Movie Info

Synopsis Hired to crack a theorem, reclusive computer genius Qohen Leth (Christoph Waltz) begins to make headway until his controlled world is interrupted by seductive Bainsley (Mélanie Thierry) and turbulent Bob (Lucas Hedges).
Director
Terry Gilliam
Producer
Nicolas Chartier, Chris Curling, Zev Foreman, Phil Robertson
Screenwriter
Pat Rushin
Distributor
Amplify, Well Go USA
Production Co
Voltage Pictures
Rating
R (Some Sexuality/Nudity|Language)
Genre
Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 19, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$219.4K
Runtime
1h 47m
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