A little-known period drama film is mesmerising viewers across the globe, with audiences describing the experience of watching it as ‘almost spiritual’.
The biographical drama has left those who’ve seen it ‘surprised’ by its quality, with many declaring themselves ‘enthralled from the very first cut’.
Penned and helmed by Matthew Brown, The Man Who Knew Infinity draws from novelist Robert Kanigel’s 1991 book bearing the same title. Following its cinema release in April 2016, the film can now be found streaming on Netflix.
Viewers have drawn parallels between this biographical period drama and celebrated classics including Chariots of Fire, A Beautiful Mind, Oppenheimer and Good Will Hunting, leaving fans utterly captivated.
The historical biopic delves into the remarkable life of trailblazing Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, who rose from humble beginnings to secure a place at Cambridge University during the First World War, thanks to his extraordinary intellect, reports the Express.
There, the mathematician encountered his mentor and collaborator GH Hardy, with the pair developing a relationship worthy of immortalising on screen.
The film’s official synopsis reads: “The story of the life and academic career of the pioneer Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and his friendship with his mentor, Professor G.H. Hardy.”
The film features Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) in the leading role as Srinivasa Ramanujan, alongside Jeremy Irons portraying GH Hardy. A distinguished supporting cast includes Devika Bhise, Toby Jones, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Northam, Kevin McNally, Enzo Cilenti, Arundhati Nag, and Dhritiman Chatterjee.
The Man Who Knew Infinity was filmed at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 2014, following eight years in development.
Lauding the film, one critic wrote: “There is something almost spiritual about this film that makes it more than just a maths biopic.”
While another reviewer said: “The Man Who Knew Infinity is a delightful film of a breed that we so rarely see. I hope it finds an audience.”
A third critic said: “There is not a dull moment, not a single false step in this picture. The Man Who Knew Infinity is a powerful story that will stand on its own merit.”
Viewers have been similarly enthralled, with one writing on Rotten Tomatoes: “Similar vein to other academic favorites like A Beautiful Mind, Oppenheimer and Good Will Hunting. Sad and inspiring – lost another genius far too young.”
Another admirer of the period drama wrote: “The script and the filming are every bit as good as Chariots of Fire, except that all the characters are likable. The movie leaves you with a feeling that you wish you had friends like that.”
One viewer posted: “I wasn’t expecting much, but what a surprise this film was! A true story of inspiration – it gives us a glimpse into our history of racism, and how a strong, beautifully driven spirit overcame all obstacles while remaining true to himself and his beliefs. Great for the whole family!”.
Meanwhile, an IMDB user review of the historical biopic reads: “So beautifully directed, enthralling from the very first cut. This is so far the finest performance by Dev Patel. Without Jeremy Irons this film would have been toothless, seeing him for the first time I have never seen a character executed with such panache.
“Overall a film cannot get better than this, there are some flaws which every film has but are forgivable and probably intended to show the audience that way. Not a film to watch for the entertainment value only but solely for the essence of film watching. A standing ovation to Matthew Brown.”
The Man Who Knew Infinity is currently available to stream on Netflix.