AI Recommends: Five films about scientists like Oppenheimer you must stream on OTT

With Oppenheimer, master filmmaker Christopher Nolan attempts to unravel the many moral conundrums that real-life theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer faced while conceiving and creating the world's first nuclear weapon, the atomic bomb. The film takes us back in time and drops us right in the belly of the drama when the famed Manhattan Project, led by the United States with support from the United Kingdom and Canada, is underway with Robert Oppenheimer leading it under the direction of Major General Leslie Groves.   

The United States, representing the allied powers, is in the thick of the second world war and the threat of the German attack is looming larger than ever, making the creation of the bomb an absolute compulsion. 

While Nolan's epic serves as a poignant reminder of the circumstances under which the very first nuclear weapon was put together, it also casts a bright light on the mind of J. Robert Oppenheimer and other various components of his life, including his equation with his wife Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer (played by Emily Blunt).

The cast of Oppenheimer includes Cillian Murphy in the titular role, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Rami Malek, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett and Kenneth Branagh. Oppenheimer opens in cinemas worldwide on July 21.

So, while you wait for this mesmeric experience to blow your mind, we at OTTplay have put together a list of five films that carry a similar essence to that of Oppenheimer. Using war-time paranoia and the role of science/scientists in navigating that incredible phase of human existence as main motifs, we have drawn a compelling list of must-watch films that are available to stream on Indian OTT platforms. So, if you are someone who likes to revisit a particularly momentous period of modern history, then this list is just the fix you need!

The Imitation Game (2014)

Morten Tyldum's film portrays the life of mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing during World War II. Alan Turing played a crucial role in breaking the Enigma code used by the Germans. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a captivating performance as Turing, with Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode providing excellent supporting roles. The film explores Turing's genius, struggles, and the immense contribution he made to the war effort.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Hidden Figures (2016)

This Theodore Melfi film tells the inspiring story of three African-American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who worked at NASA during the Cold War. While not directly related to the world wars, the film sheds light on their contributions to the space program and the challenges they faced due to racial and gender discrimination. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe deliver powerful performances in this empowering and uplifting true story.

Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Based on the life of mathematician John Nash, the film follows Nash's journey as he struggles with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to the field of mathematics. Russell Crowe delivers a remarkable performance as Nash, capturing his brilliance and his internal battle with his illness. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and the power of the human mind, leaving a lasting impression with its poignant storytelling and exceptional performances, particularly by Jennifer Connelly as Nash's devoted wife, Alicia. Ron Howard directs this film which won four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Connelly).

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video (Rental)

The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)

While not directly related to the world wars, "Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" is a documentary that highlights the life and inventions of Hedy Lamarr. Lamarr was an Austrian-born actress and inventor who developed a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology that laid the foundation for modern wireless communication. The documentary delves into Lamarr's achievements, struggles, and her impact on the world of technology. Alexandra Dean directs this picture.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Radioactive (2019)

Directed by Marjane Satrapi, the film takes a unique approach, blending elements of biography, romance, and science fiction. Rosamund Pike delivers a captivating performance as Marie Curie, portraying her tenacity and groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radioactivity.

The film delves into Curie's personal life, highlighting her passionate partnership with her husband, Pierre Curie (played by Sam Riley). It also delves into the challenges and discrimination she faced as a female scientist in a male-dominated world.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.