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

Book tickets

Monday 6 January

 5.45pmBook tickets
Tuesday 7 January

£6 for Members

 8.45pmBook tickets

What else is on?

Today (Saturday 4th January)
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14:30

The Zone of Interest 12A
£6 for Members
1h 45m | German, Polish & Yiddish w/ English subtitles
Acclaimed director Jonathan Glazer (Under the Skin) returns with this stunningly shot and chilling examination of life within the perimeters of Auschwitz, adapted from Martin Amis' novel.

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17:15

Wicked PG
2h 41m
It ain't easy being green! Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this spectacular adaptation brings the award-winning Broadway musical set in the world of the Wizard of Oz to life on the big screen.

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20:30

Queer 18
2h 17m
Daniel Craig stars as an American expatriate living a quiet life in 1960s Mexico, until a young student’s arrival turns his world upside down. Luca Guadagnino directs this sensual adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ cult novel.

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Tomorrow (Sunday 5th January)
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13:00

A Cat in Paris PG
1h 10m
Kino Kids Cinema Club
By day, Dino the cat is a loyal pet to seven-year-old Zoé. But by night, he leads a double life, assisting a kind-hearted jewellery thief! Join us for this one-off Kino Kids Cinema Club screening (£6 adults / £4 children).

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15:00

Merchant Ivory 12A
1h 51m
Featuring interviews with frequent collaborators Vanessa Redgrave, Emma Thompson, and Helena Bonham Carter, this captivating documentary explores the life and cinematic partnership of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant.

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17:30

A Room with a View PG
1h 57m
Merchant Ivory Classics
While in Florence, a young upper-class woman falls for a enigmatic stranger, despite being engaged to someone back home in England. Witty, sensual, and elegantly crafted romance starring Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands and Daniel Day-Lewis.

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20:00

All We Imagine as Light 15
1h 58m | Malayalam & Hindi w/ English Subtitles
In working-class Mumbai, the lives of three women intertwine. Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, this ravishingly shot and deeply poignant drama celebrates the transformative power of sisterhood.

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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!

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