The Zero Theorem is unmistakably a Terry Gilliam film, for better or worse. He has created a deliciously chaotic dystopia, saturated with colour and adverts, but his ramshackle directing threatens to disengage the viewer at times.

He is not helped by the nature of the story he is telling either. Waltz is convincing as the anxious Qohen Leth, but the role is incredibly passive, meaning the pace can sometimes drag. Thewlis, Thierry and Hedges all bring welcome surges of humour and energy, illuminating Qohen’s bleak outlook, but in the end, the futility of his quest rubs off on the audience too.

The Zero Theorem is a biting satire, a bleak comment on the meaninglessness of life and a wry note on the nature of faith. Its ideas are fascinating and the cast have a great chemistry, but the script is not sharp enough to match Twelve Monkeys or Brazil.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Thierry, David Thewlis, Lucas Hedges, Matt Damon

DIRECTOR: Terry Gilliam

WRITER: Pat Rushin

SYNOPSIS: A data-cruncher is tasked with finding the meaning of life by proving the Zero Theorem, but he is helped and hindered by a voluptuous call girl, a tech nerd and the mysterious Management.