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Drama thriller

The Universal Theory (2024): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Universal Theory (2024) movie poster

The Universal Theory is a 2024 drama thriller directed by Timm Kröger, starring Hanns Zischler as Dr. Strathen, Imogen Kogge and Olivia Ross. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $561,883 worldwide on a $425,000 budget. Critics gave it 61 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$561.9K
Echo Score
66
Metascore
61
budget
$425K
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The Universal Theory (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 58m (118 min)
Director
Timm Kröger
Genres
Drama , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
German
Budget
$425K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Universal Theory About?

The premise of The Universal Theory without spoilers.

In 1962, a physics congress in the Alps is disrupted by the arrival of an Iranian guest carrying secrets. A gifted pianist's music adds to the growing sense of unease as an unusual cloud formation appears and rumors of a hidden mystery beneath the mountain surface begin to spread. As the event progresses, the truth becomes increasingly difficult to discern and a palpable sense of danger emerges.

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Cast & crew

The Universal Theory Cast & Characters

Hanns Zischler leads the cast as Dr. Strathen, with Imogen Kogge as Anna Leinert and Olivia Ross as Karin Hönig. Directed by Timm Kröger; 19 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Universal Theory

· 15 more
From the director

More from Timm Kröger

One more film directed by Timm Kröger: The Council of Birds.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Universal Theory Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Universal Theory 61 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in character & emotion (50).

66 /100

The Universal Theory Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Universal Theory delivers a visually striking and sonically rich experience, but its narrative coherence and character engagement falter, leading to a mixed reception. Critics praise the meticulous cinematography and immersive soundtrack, while many note the plot’s opacity and uneven emotional resonance. Viewer responses echo this split, with some drawn to its ambition and others deterred by its convoluted storyline. The film thus sits as an ambitious yet uneven work.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    Regarding art and craft, the film is consistently lauded for its striking visual composition and period detail. Critics highlight gorgeous framing, a lush orchestral score, and moments of pure cinema that evoke classic auteurs. Even user comments commend the soundtrack’s precision. While some note occasional overlong sequences, the overall craftsmanship remains a notable strength.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When evaluating character and emotion, opinions diverge. Critics describe the cast as cryptic and note a lack of convincing logic, suggesting limited emotional depth. User feedback includes a stark complaint of no emotional engagement, though a few appreciate the enigmatic personas. The consensus points to underdeveloped character arcs and insufficient resonance, reducing the film’s empathetic impact.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The story’s originality receives acknowledgment, yet its execution unsettles many. Critics refer to an impenetrable plot that struggles to hold together, calling the pacing uneven and the logic unconvincing. Users echo this, with one citing a convoluted storyline and unsatisfactory conclusion, while others enjoy the ambiguous conclusion. Overall, the narrative’s ambition is hampered by coherence issues.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In terms of sensory experience, the film excels. Reviewers emphasize a Bernard‑Herrmann‑inspired orchestral soundtrack, immersive sound design, and an unmistakable visual style that ranges from gorgeous framing to audacious noise avalanches. User commentary specifically praises the soundtrack’s precision. Though some mention overlong moments, the sensory components are broadly celebrated as a core asset of the production.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch factor reflects the film’s polarized appeal. Some critics and users find the ambitious, dreamlike atmosphere rewarding on subsequent viewings, noting its immersive qualities. Others point to the tangled plot and lack of emotional payoff as deterrents to repeated enjoyment. Consequently, the film offers a moderate replay value, appealing mainly to viewers who appreciate stylistic experimentation over narrative clarity.

Box office

The Universal Theory Box Office & Budget

The Universal Theory grossed $561,883 worldwide on a $425,000 budget, 1.3 times what it cost. $1,981 came from the US and Canada and $559,902 (100%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$561.9K

1.3× its budget

US & Canada
$2K
International
$559.9K
Budget
$425K
US & Canada 0% Rest of the world 100%
Videos

The Universal Theory Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 4 trailers.

The Theory of Everything (Die Theorie Von Allem) new clip official - Venice Film Festival 2023
  • Trailer Universal Theory Trailer - FEFFS 2023
  • Trailer Official US Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Trailer Official UK Trailer [Subtitled]
Details

The Universal Theory Also Known As

11 alternative titles, including “Теорія всього” and “The Theory of Everything”.

Also known as
  • Теорія всього
  • The Theory of Everything
  • Universalteorin
  • 愛的時空效應
  • 愛的萬有理論
  • 万物理论
  • Teorie všeho
  • Η Θεωρία του Σύμπαντος
  • La Teoría Universal
  • Az univerzum elmélete
  • התיאוריה האוניברסלית

Seen The Universal Theory?

FAQ

The Universal Theory FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of The Universal Theory, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Universal Theory?

The Universal Theory runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).

When was The Universal Theory released?

The Universal Theory was released on September 27, 2024.

Who directed The Universal Theory?

The Universal Theory was directed by Timm Kröger.

More films by Timm Kröger

Who is in the cast of The Universal Theory?

The Universal Theory stars Hanns Zischler as Dr. Strathen, Imogen Kogge as Anna Leinert and Olivia Ross as Karin Hönig, among 19 credited actors.

How much did The Universal Theory make at the box office?

The Universal Theory grossed $561,883 worldwide ($1,981 domestic, $559,902 international) on a budget of $425,000.

How is The Universal Theory rated?

The Universal Theory has 61 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.

Does The Universal Theory have a post-credit scene?

No. The Universal Theory has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Universal Theory in?

The original language of The Universal Theory is German.

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