Madame Curie

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. (21.11.2021)