The BBC docudrama Einstein and the Bomb, released in 2024 and now streaming on Netflix, has been praised by viewers as “better than Oppenheimer.” The production uses Einstein's own words from speeches, correspondence, and interviews, along with real archive footage, to chronicle his flight from Nazi Germany and his time hiding in Norfolk, England.
Educational and Gripping Narrative
The film transports viewers back to 1932, when Albert Einstein fled Nazi Germany. It became the fourth most-watched English film on Netflix during its launch month. The production draws on substantial factual material, including Stuart McLaren's non-fiction book Saving Einstein: When Norfolk Hid a Genius, which tells the story of the real people who helped Einstein while he was concealed at the Roughton camp.
Cast and Reception
Aidan McArdle portrays Einstein, with Andrew Havill as Commander Locker-Lampson, Rachel Barry as Margery Howard, and Helena Westerman as Barbara Goodhall. The docudrama has achieved an overall score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. One viewer commented: “It provided some new insights into Einstein's life.” Another said: “In this documentary about Dr Albert Einstein, viewers are presented with a profoundly educational experience that significantly overshadows its entertainment value, albeit the latter is still appreciably present.”
Comparisons to Oppenheimer
Fans have drawn parallels with the 2023 blockbuster Oppenheimer, with one saying it is “better than Oppenheimer.” While it didn't achieve the same acclaim as the Oscar-winning film, the overlapping themes have appealed to similar audiences. Viewers described the archive footage as “fascinating” and packed with facts “worth remembering.” Another critic said: “This thrilling exploration of several topics surrounding Einstein will leave anyone and everyone in awe.”
Einstein and the Bomb is available to stream exclusively on Netflix now.
