Netflix subscribers are discovering an under-the-radar period drama that has captivated global audiences. The biographical film, The Man Who Knew Infinity, stars Dev Patel as Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and has drawn comparisons to classics like Chariots of Fire, A Beautiful Mind, Oppenheimer, and Good Will Hunting.
A rare biographical drama
Written and directed by Matthew Brown, the film is based on Robert Kanigel's 1991 book of the same name. It was released in cinemas in April 2016 and is now available to stream on Netflix. The story follows Ramanujan's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to Cambridge University during the First World War, driven by his extraordinary intellect. There he meets mentor and collaborator GH Hardy, played by Jeremy Irons, forming a bond that became legendary.
The supporting cast includes Devika Bhise, Toby Jones, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Northam, Kevin McNally, Enzo Cilenti, Arundhati Nag, and Dhritiman Chatterjee. Filmed on location at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 2014, the project spent eight years in development.
Critical and audience praise
Reviewers have called it an almost spiritual experience. One critic wrote: "There is something almost spiritual about this film that makes it more than just a maths biopic." Another 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 commented: "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."
Audiences have echoed the praise. A Rotten Tomatoes user noted: "Similar vein to other academic favourites like A Beautiful Mind, Oppenheimer and Good Will Hunting. Sad and inspiring - lost another genius far too young." Another viewer wrote: "The script and the filming are every bit as good as Chariots of Fire, except that all the characters are likeable. The movie leaves you with a feeling that you wish you had friends like that."
An IMDB review stated: "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!" Another IMDB user said: "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."
The Man Who Knew Infinity is currently streaming on Netflix.
