Overview
A brilliant mind confronts the limits of the human body while unraveling the mysteries of the universe.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- serious
- poignant
- inspiring
- thoughtful viewing
- science themed evening
What critics said
Critics and awards bodies broadly recognized the drama for Benedict Cumberbatch's compelling lead performance and its effective portrayal of Stephen Hawking's life and work.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story dramatizes Stephen Hawking's diagnosis, academic career, cosmological research, and scientific influence.
Hawking's motor neurone disease profoundly restricts his movement and communication while he continues his scientific work.
Theoretical physics and the nature of the universe are presented through Hawking's relationships, studies, and personal struggle.
Cambridge University, doctoral study, and interactions with figures such as Roger Penrose and Dennis Sciama structure Hawking's development.
Films like Hawking, and why
A Beautiful Mind
shared biographical drama focus on a brilliant scientist, personal adversity, and intellectual achievement
The Theory of Everything
shared scientist protagonist, university setting, illness-related adversity, and emotionally serious biographical storytelling
The Imitation Game
shared british biographical drama tradition, exceptional intellect, and conflict between private life and public achievement
Movie Details
- Director
- Philip Martin
- Release Date
- 2004-12-10
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (164)
Cast
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Peter Firth
- Tom Ward
- Lisa Dillon
- John Sessions
- Phoebe Nicholls
- Michael Brandon
- Tom Hodgkins
- Alice Eve
- Adam Godley
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Hawking about?
- A moving television biographical drama follows Stephen Hawking as illness challenges his body while his cosmological ideas transform scientific understanding.
- What is Hawking like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hawking as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Hawking violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Hawking.
- What did critics think of Hawking?
- Critics and awards bodies broadly recognized the drama for Benedict Cumberbatch's compelling lead performance and its effective portrayal of Stephen Hawking's life and work.
- Which films are like Hawking?
- Films with a similar feel include A Beautiful Mind, The Theory of Everything, and The Imitation Game.
- How long is Hawking?
- Hawking runs 90 minutes.
- Where can I watch Hawking?
- In United States, Hawking is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
