Time: 118 Minutes
Age Rating: M
Cast:
Jan Bülow as Johannes Leinert
Olivia Ross as Karin Hönig
Hanns Zischler as Dr. Julius Strathen
Gottfried Breitfuss as Professor Blumberg
David Bennent as Kommissar Arnold
Philippe Graber as Kommissar Amrein
Director: Timm Kröger

I watched The Universal Theory as it was being shown at my local film society, but I really didn’t know anything about it going in. I thought it was pretty good overall.

It starts off as a film noir and Hitchcockian mystery before introducing conspiracy theories and some high concept sci-fi elements, and with quantum mechanics/physics and multiverse theories. The premise is interesting, the first act establishes things really well with an intriguing and twisty mystery. I also liked the actual ending. However, I thought that the middle was a bit abstract. It’s a slow burn and it definitely has some pacing issues in that middle section, meandering in parts. That said, The Universal Theory was engaging and interesting enough that I was willing to stick with it even with its shaky moments.

Timm Kröger’s direction is strong and stylish. The film noir style is handled really well; the imagery is very appealing with the black and white cinematography, I liked the hotel setting and the snowy environments, and the score is also fitting for the vibe.

The Universal Theory is an intriguing, visually stunning and stylish slow burn mystery thriller.