Eddie Redmayne, known for Les Misérables and My Week with Marilyn, steps into the role of Stephen Hawking in a major biopic. The Theory of Everything, released in 2014, traces Hawking’s life from his early days as a Cambridge student to his emergence as a theoretical physicist whose ideas reshaped our understanding of gravity, quantum mechanics, and the fate of black holes. The film blends intimate domestic moments with sweeping explorations of the cosmos, inviting viewers to see how a mind of immense curiosity navigated shifting personal and physical landscapes. Redmayne’s portrayal centers the audience on Hawking’s swift intellect, precise diction, and a blend of wit and humility that made him a singular figure in science and public life. For audiences across Canada and the United States, the movie offers a human gateway to complex ideas, making topics that can feel distant feel immediate and relevant. The narrative also weaves in Hawking’s relationships, the support network around him, and the long arc of a life dedicated to questions about the universe, while highlighting the balance between rigorous research and the rhythms of everyday living. The Theory of Everything stands as a landmark film that invites viewers to contemplate fame, resilience, and the power of human imagination in the face of profound change.
Stephen Hawking’s journey began in a world with big questions and few ready-made answers, and his legacy continues to influence cosmology and public science education. At age 21 he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a condition that would gradually limit his movement and speaking ability. Doctors gave him a prognosis of only a couple of years to live, but he went on to live decades longer and to become one of the most celebrated scientists of his era. His work spanned black holes, general relativity, and quantum gravity, with Hawking radiation becoming a cornerstone that linked gravity with quantum theory. The Theory of Everything captures not only the science but the perseverance behind it, showing a mind that persisted through adversity while adapting to new ways of communicating and teaching. The film helped North American audiences access Hawking’s story with empathy and clarity, turning abstract concepts into human-scale curiosity. Stephen Hawking passed away in 2018, leaving behind a scientific legacy that continues to inspire students, researchers, and curious minds around the world.