It is fascinating to think that you could travel back in time, that you could “reverse the clock.” This very idea is the thread that ties together all of the events in Stephen Hawking’s miraculous life. The Theory of Everything, a new movie directed by James Marsh, explores the journey of Hawking from 1963 to today. As an audience member, you are able to watch Hawking overcome every single obstacle that is thrown at him. From starting a conversation with a girl, to beating the odds facing him as he battles Lou Gehrig’s disease, you cannot help but smile and cry at his determination, persistence, and optimism.

The story begins with Hawking’s studying at the University of Cambridge, as he majors in theoretical physics and has a chance encounter with Jane Wilde at a party. Stephen and Jane immediately hit it off despite their differing fields of study and ideological beliefs. Hawking, as said before, is majoring in theoretical physics and has become very detached from the idea that g-d created the universe. Jane, on the other hand, is majoring in the study of Romance languages and is deeply religious. Within a few months of their dating, Stephen is diagnosed with ALS and is told that he only has about two years to live. Two huge decisions are made at this point in the movie: Stephen decides to write his thesis on time, and Jane and Stephen get married.

The happy couple end up having three children during their marriage but as Stephen’s condition worsens, Jane’s job as Stephen’s caregiver and the primary parent to their children becomes more and more difficult. Betrayal, medical emergencies, and new love interests for both Jane and Stephen appear as the realities of living with ALS prove more challenging than either expected. Ultimately, neither of their needs are met by the other.

Even as his personal and physical condition seem detrimental to anyone’s mental capacity, Stephen Hawking goes on to debunk his theory of a black hole starting the universe and instead theories that a black hole will eventually destroy the universe. This theory becomes Hawking’s claim to fame and his amazing work even grants him an opportunity to be knighted by the Queen of England (although he declines the offer).

Hawking soon attempts to create one simple and beautiful equation that will explain the entire universe. Sadly, the differing principles of quantum theory and Einstein’s theory of relativity make the task almost impossible (almost).

As the movie comes to a close, the theme of time travel is exposed as a rewind button is pressed and the main events of the movie are shown in reverse, leading back to a healthy and nerdy college student attempting to discover what he wants to do with his life. As that rewind button is pushed, you come to realize that the theory of everything is actually a juxtaposition of Hawking’s life work in physics and the difficulties of life itself.

Theory of Everything is a beautiful and inspiring film that anyone will enjoy. It is pretty factually correct (Stephen Hawking approved!) and the actors and actresses are incredible in their transformation to their characters. It has won an Oscar! If you are looking for a movie with great music, beautiful cinematography, and an inspiring story, watch The Theory of Everything.