The Universal Theory15

Directed by Timm Kröger | Germany | 2023 | 1h 58m | German w/ English subtitles | Starring Jan Bülow, Olivia Ross, Hanns Zischler, Gottfried Breitfuss, Ladina von Frisching

Set against the majestic backdrop of the towering Swiss Alps, a brilliant young physicist encounters an enigmatic pianist who inexplicably knows his most closely guarded secrets. What begins as curiosity quickly ensnares him in a web of metaphysical intrigue, murder, and mystery. Shot in stunning black-and-white, Timm Kröger’s award-winning thriller blends Cold War paranoia with mind-bending science fiction.

Reviews

‘A visually dazzling Alpine sci-fi noir…catch it while it is on the big screen, where its widescreen brilliance truly flourishes’
★★★★★
Jonathan Romney, The FT

‘This wonderfully slippery Hitchcockian sci-fi is an elegant puzzle box full of ingenious ideas.’
★★★★
Philip De Semlyen, Time Out

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed The Universal Theory between January 3, 2025 and January 7, 2025.

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What else is on?

Tomorrow (Tuesday 14th October)

18:30

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari U
1h 17m
This groundbreaking German silent classic redefined horror cinema with its jagged sets and haunting atmosphere. Experience a one-night-only screening with live musical accompaniment, as Hugo Max performs an original score composed for the film.

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20:45

Happyend 12A
£6 for Members
1h 53m | Japanese with English subtitles
Two rebellious teens in near-future Tokyo spark a surveillance crackdown after a prank. As politics darken and friendships strain, freedom itself hangs in the balance. Neo Sora’s bold fictional debut crackles with youthful resistance.

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Wednesday 15th October

15:45

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale PG
Deaf/HOH subtitles
2h 4m
Scandal and financial ruin threaten the Crawleys at the dawn of the 1930s. With reputations at stake, the family and staff brace for sweeping societal change. Paul Giamatti and Dominic West join this heartfelt farewell to Julian Fellowes’s beloved saga.

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18:30

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues 15
1h 24m
The world’s loudest band reunites after 15 years for one last concert. Will it be a triumphant comeback, or another Stonehenge-sized disaster? The original cast returns, joined by music legends Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, and more.

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20:30

Islands 15
2h | German & Spanish with English subtitles
A jaded tennis coach drifts through life at a Canary Islands resort until a guest vanishes and he’s suddenly drawn into a mystery. Starring BAFTA-nominated actor Sam Riley, Jan-Ole Gerster’s moody slow-burn thriller pulses with unease and atmosphere.

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Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!