PalCinema Review: The Universal Theory

Not to be confused with Canada's Universal Language which I reviewed last week.

February 24, 2025

FILM: THE UNIVERSAL THEORY

DIRECTED BY: TIMM KROGER

STARRING: JAN BULOW, OLIVIA ROSS, HANNS ZISCHLER

RATING: 3 ½ OUT OF 4 STARS

By Dan Pal

You’ve heard that old expression, “they don’t make movies like that anymore.” Well, writer/director Timm Kroger has. His impeccably fine-tuned thriller, The Universal Theory, blends all the elements of classic story telling, exquisite production design, cinematography, and a big dramatic score. It’s a film which harkens back to an earlier era of filmmaking as its narrative sits squarely in the center of it in 1962.

Jan Bulow stars as Johannes Leinert, a physicist who some twelve years later, can’t find anyone to take his non-fiction story seriously. It’s being released as a work of fiction, but Leinert swears it’s all true and the film takes us through the events he claims to have witnessed. In 1962, Leinert is a doctoral candidate with theories about multiple universes. Traveling to Switzerland with his professor, Leinert encounters a series of mysterious situations including some unique cloud formations above the mountains. The region is said to be filled with radiation causing events that would seem improbable based on the accepted theories of physics at the time. Tension builds as significant characters come and go from the area and Leinert falls for a curious woman named Karin (Olivia Ross.)

To say that this is a stylized film would be an understatement. Every filmmaking element that could be employed to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense is applied here. Most notably first is the dramatic score that would thrill Alfred Hitchcock as it packs all the emotion and power found in the work of his own regular composer, Bernard Herrmann (echoes of Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho are found here.) Perhaps over the top? Sure, but that’s part of the draw of this film and narrative. The stakes are high, and the situation is unlike anything Leinert has ever encountered before.

Another striking element is the production design by Cosima Vellenzer. Since the film is shot in black and white, Vellenzer relies heavily on low-key lighting that is pristine in every possible way. Natural light is used as is the dramatic effect of lightning and other flashes which reveal details of each set in their well-designed glory. Couple this with cinematographer Roland Suprich’s camera work and what is established are shots creating a strong air of mystery which rival the stark contrasts found in classic films such as Casablanca, 8 1/2, and the more recent Polish work Cold War. These are images to be studied and then hung on walls for their incredible beauty.

The sound design is also worthy of mention. Howling winds and thunder add to the atmosphere pulling all the elements which capture the essence of Film Noir and other classic thrillers.

None of this flash would amount to much if the story and the performances didn’t also standout. Here again, Kroger excels. He builds up the complexities of the narrative using language that average filmgoers can understand. There are plot twists to boot which make for a thrilling and unpredictable plot arc. Jan Bulow more than adequately covers the stunned revelations Leinert encounters. Olivia Ross creates an air of a femme fatale that may be even more complex than that classic trope usually is. The actor who really stands out is Gottfried Breitfuss, who plays Professor Blumberg, a relaxed, fun-loving scientist who experiences his own shocking changes.

It’s also worth pointing out that this is an entertaining film on multiple levels. There are a couple of humorous scenes and some skillfully played jazz music which further helps to create the feel of a mid-twentieth century movie soundtrack.

While the film doesn’t exactly say anything overly meaningful or original, it is a highly enjoyable mix of science fiction and thrills with a look and feel that will make young and old viewers equally satisfied.

The Universal Theory is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.

For the archive of PalCinema reviews, click here.