Movie Review: Oppenheimer

Director Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated historical biography film, “Oppenheimer,” hit theaters this past weekend and more than exceeded expectations. The film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, and dives into the genius and pain of the man who was fundamental in the development of the atomic bomb during WWII. The film stars Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt as his wife Katherine, Matt Damon as the director of the Manhattan Project and Leslie Groves and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss. Phenomenal acting from these and others, combined with brilliant cinematic storytelling by Nolan, make this an unforgettable film that will leave audiences feeling haunted. 

Based on the book “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, “Oppenheimer” weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, even switching between color and black and white scenes, all coming together brilliantly to explore the man behind the most destructive weapon in human history. But this film is more than just a biopic of Oppenheimer, it dives into the horrors of war, the rush of intellectual genius and the destruction that power can bring to a person’s soul. Artfully blending aspects of historical drama, romance, the devastation of war and biography, this film is something truly one of a kind and is nothing short of a masterpiece. 

The true driving force in this film is the acting of Cillian Murphy, he portrays Oppenheimer in such a haunting, forceful manner that it brings the film to life and leaves you on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the 3-hour screen time. Murphy’s slim frame, piercing blue eyes and hollow face make him seem like a man who is wasting away under the weight of his own knowledge and the destruction he has brought to the world. As he navigates scientific discoveries, Communist accusations, government pressure and relationship struggles, he appears to fade away, shrinking further into himself and away from the enormity of his actions. The rest of the star-studded cast propels the film even further and highlights Murphy throughout the turmoil of Oppenheimer’s life. 

Nolan’s adventurous directing style does not disappoint, with breathtaking detail, abstract imagery that draw viewers into each scene and even a sense of the set shaking in moments of great tension, as if the whole world is quaking with the impact of what Oppenheimer has done. Equally impressive is the soundtrack. Ludwig Goransson’s music is both subtle and striking, portraying the horrors of war and a depth of emotion that takes the film to new heights. 

Some viewers have found issue with parts of the film feeling slow or boring, particularly towards the end, but I simply did not find this to be the case. While there are scenes that are slightly longer than may be necessary, there was not a moment in which I was not completely engaged and drawn into the action of this film. Nolan managed to make three hours of a historical biography not only feel enjoyable, but truly impactful. This film brings one of the most important and devastating scientific discoveries in human history to life, and it begs us to consider the implications of our actions and the way that humanity’s desire for power and annihilation could be the end of everything we know. 

Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]