A hugely talented but socially isolated computer operator is tasked by Management to prove the Zero Theorem: that the universe ends as nothing, rendering life meaningless. But meaning is what he already craves. The Zero Theorem completely wastes a very talented main star and cast in a film of way too many different genres, ideas and just silly choices that hardly make any actual chance. If you're expecting something bigger or just something deadly serious like 'Blade Runner' prepare to be very let down and disappointed. (3.0/10)

Director Terry Gilliam brings his trademark of bizarre, supernatural imagery to the spotlight in this science-fiction thriller that tackles on complex scientific and philosophical subjects including astrophysics, psychology, existentialism, and religious ordeals while adopting a surreal visual style that sadly tower over its narrative heft. Two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz plays Qohen, a socially introverted computer operator living in a world where computers dominate just about everyone's day-to-day life and copes with his problems by seeking mental help from a therapist run by artificial intelligence. While at work, Qohen is invited to a party by his supervisor Joby (played by David Flewlis) where he meets quirky prostitute Bainsley (played by Melanie Thierry). As he develops a reluctant relationship with her, Qohen is tasked by a scientist named Management (played by solve the Zero Theorem: a scientific theory of the universe ending at absolutely ending, and receives the help from no one other than young computer hacker Bob (played by Lucas Hedges), but also distraction by his lover Bainsley who uses his research for personal purposes.Bizarre is probably the most accurate word to describe this film judging by its abnormal, quirky, futuristic production design as well as its surreal imagery and nifty costume designs even the most avid sci-fi fans don't see everyday. Terry Gilliam boasts a unique taste in visual heft that is too difficult to ignore, but the narrative generated by Pat Rushin's screenplay suffers at a wide scope. Though the plot kicks off with an astonishing, if complex premise, it's not long before it is lost in a sea of convoluted story elements dealing with its surreal and scientific complex themes. Throughout the entirety, the film tries so hard to build up a strong and intriguing story that tackles compelling concepts of existentialism , astrophysics, and religion as it deals with the main character solving the meaning of life (a plot shows resemblance to a verse in the Book of Eccesiastes) and doesn't shy away from being the complicated territory, but it gradually grows uneven and widely ambiguous, and at times severely unfocused. The romance between Christoph Waltz and Melanie Thierry should have been meshed with the story but ultimately gets increasingly distracting to the plot as the film fails balance this romantic subplot to the main plot. In the end, it not only resulted in many unanswered questions but a simply messy plot. The performances by Waltz and Thierry are decent and shine some redeeming quality to the picture, but the rest is set to leave viewers in a disappointment.The Zero Theorem is a bit of a disappointing entry by Terry Gilliam and isn't granted much justice by the cast performances, though they are strong enough to gain attention. This is a film that may please some, particularly fans of Gilliam but leave others with a cold shoulder.

It was my first Terry Gillan movie and I was blown away by his way of materializing such inextricable ideas. It's a wonderful combination of script and direction. It is set in a dystopian, ultra consumeristic world which provide a good framework for self-reflection for an individual and society in general.The dialogs of main characters are structured in such a way that it appears as if he speaking for all human race rather than for himself. Also, the writer wittingly made him refer himself as "We", which automatically make viewer of the movie take position of the character itself. Few of his dialogs like "We are always alone" ( which was actually meant I am always alone ) are able to deeply hit the viewer. What a brilliant way to engage the audiences.A wonderful movie to watch if you have ever been in the labyrinth of those deeper, disturbing questions.

Terry Gilliam continues his surreal journey. I liked it until "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", but couldn't connect to any of his movies since then and this movie is not much different.The movie has a "Brazil" vibe to it, mixed with modern cyber technology, internet and the lack of personal interaction due to smartphone technology. Nothing profoundly new, really.I watched the whole movie, but did other things in the background. Some of the stuff is stretched to the limit (e.g.: the excessive ads, "The church of Batman"), but the movie itself is pretty minimalist, taking place in only few locations.Terry Gilliam definitely knows surrealism, but like with his former movies, I just didn't connect to it. I'm not even sure you can say there is a plot per se. "Twelve Monkeys" still remains his masterpiece.Tilda Swinton plays the same eccentric character as she did in "Snowpiercer". And it took me an entire movie to recognize Matt Damon.