The Zero Theorem

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The Zero Theorem

R

2014

1h 47m

Drama

Fantasy

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

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.

Jun 18, 2016

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Ty Burr

Boston Globe

Say this for Terry Gilliam: Even when he repeats himself, he's unique.

Oct 9, 2014

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John Anderson

Newsday

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.

Rated: 2/4

Sep 25, 2014

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JD Duran

InSession Film

The Zero Theorem raises some interesting questions and explores them in a way that’s fascinating, tough to watch at times and also emotional.

Rated: B+

Aug 19, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Gilliam and Rushin argue that the universe is a cold and empty place, waiting to be filled with our own sense of purpose.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 29, 2022

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Kip Mooney

Central Track

Simply put, though, there's just nothing in The Zero Theorem that hasn't been done better before.

Aug 10, 2021

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Michael D

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!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/04/25

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Dead L

Zero must equal 100%! Waltz is outstanding. Love the cinema photography. It's a journey through depression and obsession.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

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Stephen L

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.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/16/25

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Andrew H

Severely underrated thought provoking intelligent film that is quite enjoyable

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/25

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Jeremy _

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/19/24

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Alec B

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/23

Full Review

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Terry Gilliam

Director

Christoph Waltz

Qohen Leth

Mélanie Thierry

Bainsley

David Thewlis

Joby

Lucas Hedges

Bob

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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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