The Zero Theorem

Starring Christoph Waltz as the paranoid and introverted computer genius, The Zero Theorem follows the story of Qohen Leth and his existential crisis as he toils away solving complicated theories for an unnamed corporation (voiced by Matt Damon).

The story is set in a strange world reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984 society as Qohen works in his apartment becoming increasingly disturbed whilst awaiting a phone call which will tell him the meaning of life. Soon his faceless boss makes a deal with him and offers him the answers to all his inner fears in exchange for Qohen’s help in solving the mysterious mathematical problem of the zero theorem.

However, Qohen’s life is soon disrupted by the quirky femme-fatale character of Bainsley (Mélanie Thierry); an unlikely romance soon blossoms between the two as she helps Qohen to enjoy life again and Qohen helps Bainsley feel less empty and alone. To complicate matters further, Qohen also becomes friends with his boss’s wayward son Bob (Lucas Hedges). As Qohen rediscovers what life is like he is caught between two choices which will define the rest of his life: friends or the phone call?

This film is a dark and surreal exploration of the psychology behind both the individual and society intertwined with deep philosophy regarding the meaning of life and what it truly means to be alive.

Lauren Howard