Radioactive

I’ve always known about Marie Curie-Sklodowska, but my interest in her life really deepened after visiting Jáchymov earlier this year. I’d had Radioactive on my radar for a while, so it was only a matter of time before I sat down to watch it. Given how compelling her story is, I was surprised to see it getting such mixed reviews. After watching it, I honestly don’t get the lukewarm reception. Radioactive is a solid biopic, in my opinion. Rosamund Pike delivers a fantastic performance, and Sam Riley holds his own as her husband. I particularly appreciated the scenes that intertwined Marie Curie’s story with the later consequences of radioactivity — things she, fortunately, didn’t live to see. My only real disappointment was the lack of focus on Jáchymov; a mere brief mention felt like a missed opportunity. Despite the middling ratings, I’d definitely recommend this film to anyone interested in the life of this pivotal figure in science history. (12/12/2021)

Very good biopic. On the one hand, it is a traditional formula, but on the other, it is also an original presentation, especially thanks to the almost documentary-like inserts that show the various uses of radioactivity that the Curies did not live to see (from the bombing of Hiroshima to cancer treatment). The film has a strange, hard to describe, almost magical mood, which is supported by the amazing music with solos for a theremin, and I probably don't need to write about the fact that Rosamund Pike is perfect. It's just a pity that Radioactive isn't longer or that it's not a miniseries, because this story and this topic deserve a deeper dive. (11/21/2021)