The Theory of Everything, directed by James March, leaves you with a feeling of empowerment and ambition. Based on the true story of Steven Hawking and his journey with his wife Jane by his side, we see how he battled ALS, a motor neuron disease, and how true love and optimism kept him alive for longer than expected.
Drama and romanticism draw the viewer in when realizing that Jane and Hawking’s future takes a turn when an unexpected incident occurs. There is no argument that Hawking was not only a genius, but a fighter. At an early age of 21, Hawking is faced with the struggle of this disease, which affects his muscles and essentially making it difficult for him to control his movements and entire being. Given a life expectancy of two years, Hawking enters a state of depression. With Jane expressing her eternal love for him, she prepares for the worstand devotes her entire life to helping him through the deadly illness.
They build their lives together and fight through his disease, during which he continues his study of time and relativity. The way that actors Eddie Redmayne (Steven Hawking) and Felicity Jones (Jane Wilde) portray their characters is mindblowing, developing such a hypnotic onscreen connection that the viewer automatically gets pulled in by Jane and Steven’s loving and patient interactions.
The hope and positivity between them keeps the story interesting and, despite their downfalls, they still manage to pull through. After being alive beyond his two-year expectancy, the motor neuron disease worsens and Hawking becomes deaf. He uses a wheelchair to get around and a computer to communicate.
Pity aside, he decides to write a book, “A Brief History of Time,” which becomes a best seller. Though handicapped, throughout the movie, Hawking can be seen to continuously be striving for success, encouraged and energized by the love from his family and friends.
The Theory of Everything is a must see and a true inspiration. Hawking did not hesitate to make the most out of his life and situation saying, “ Where there is life, there is hope.”
You will leave the movie theater with the feeling that you can conquer it all; write a book like Hawking, hike a mountain, be the next Picasso. Possibilities become endless after watching this film. It is unbelievable how much someone can achieve when setting their mind to it. Want to feel inspired? Take advantage of this weather and don’t miss out. Catch it on the big screen!