Eddie Redmayne, with Felicity Jones, has impressed critics as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.

Science genius Stephen Hawking has been the subject of much fascination since his rise to academic prominence in the 1960s.

A physics student at Cambridge University, Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) was given only two years to live when motor neuron disease struck him in his early 20s.

Though he had a brilliant mind, nothing much was expected of him after his shock and debilitating diagnosis.

But 50 years later there seems to be no slowing down of this great mind and he continues to search for elusive answers of the universe.

The Theory of Everything is the story of Hawking and his amazing wife, Jane (Felicity Jones). Based on Jane's book, this is not a movie soley in tribute to Hawking's greatness, it gives a realistic look at the couple's life as his body broke down.

Jane, a Cambridge University arts student, played a key role in keeping Hawking together as his illness struck.

Her love for him meant she had the strength to physically and mentally cope with the problems created by his growing dependence on others.

When a bout of pneumonia almost ended his life, it indirectly allowed him to find communication again.

Losing the ability to speak, he was given a talking computer of sorts that allowed him to share his genius again.

With three children adding to the family dynamic, Jane lost a certain part of her identity to become the circus conductor of Stephen Hawking Inc.

We see through her eyes the difficulties life with Hawking brought and how his fast-growing fame put challenges before both of them.

We are left with a greater understanding of Hawking and how his life affected those around him.

The Theory of Everything
(PG), 140 minutes
Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars