The Universal Theory
Oscilloscope Pictures | Release Date: September 27, 2024 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
61
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
5
Mixed:
6
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
The GuardianLeslie FelperinDec 10, 2024
The script, by Roderick Warich and Kröger, isn’t quite as nifty as its famous models, but it has its own grim integrity, especially with the jarring last frames. Read full review
80
VarietyJessica KiangSep 8, 2023
An overlong but enjoyable metaphysical thriller that delivers pastiche so meticulous it becomes its own source of supremely cinematic pleasure. Read full review
80
CineVueJohn BleasdaleSep 8, 2023
Kröger manages well with moments of pure cinema in between, and a particularly out-there moment of noise and mayhem which threatens to crush the film and the audience in an audiovisual avalanche. There’s an immersive strangeness that only David Lynch has snuck into mainstream cinema. Read full review
63
RogerEbert.comIsaac Feldberg Sep 27, 2024
For all its investigation of rifts in reality and parallel universes, “The Universal Theory” provides proof only of the truth’s inherent slipperiness — and of its director’s great affection for his influences. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger MooreSep 20, 2024
It’s a modest but immersive film more interested in cryptic characters and plot lines and in period detail — minimal effects, mostly in the third act — and the idea that some sort of rift in reality might be possible, that it could happen, and why not in the Swiss Alps in 1962? Read full review
60
The Observer (UK)Wendy IdeDec 16, 2024
An impenetrable plot doesn’t entirely hold together, but the film is worth a look for fans of wigged-out sci-fi, gorgeous framing and lush, orchestral, Bernard Herrmann-inspired soundtracks. Read full review
60
Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleOct 18, 2024
Nothing in The Universal Theory is going to blow your mind, but as it plays its fastidiously crafted notes of conspiracy and chaos, you’ll know the idiosyncrasies of the art house are alive and well. Read full review
60
Film ThreatAlex SavelievOct 30, 2023
The Universal Theory works in fits and starts but is bound to leave the audience not entirely convinced by its logic. Read full review
60
The Film VerdictBoyd van HoeijSep 8, 2023
The Theory of Everything works best as a kind of surrealist carrousel of film influences and physics references and as such, it’s mostly enjoyable. Read full review
50
The New York TimesBeatrice LoayzaSep 27, 2024
Though visually handsome, the film leaves the audience with the sense that, like a grad student, it is still working out its big ideas. Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerSep 8, 2023
The result is more admirable than captivating, losing its way in old school hijinks (wacky professors, evil spies, a femme fatale) that grow outlandishly phantasmagorical as the plot thickens. Read full review
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