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As Dau, Currentzis throws his entire body into each scene, whether arguing with colleagues or romancing another woman. Because the actor is also a conductor, Currentzis radiates intelligence that combines science and artistry. So his interaction is bracingly messy and truthful as it both endears and alienates everyone around him. Each of the actors is able to find quirks that make a distinctive impact, so the film feels boisterous, jostling and always on the move.

Because the story covers 40 years in Dau's life and Soviet history, leaping strangely in the epilog, the sweep of time also has a grand impact. It's also pungently resonant today. This may play as a fictionalised historical biopic, but it's also about any society in which authoritarian paranoia pushes for ever more weapons at the expense of science and art. The physicists here are determined to use their gifts to advance civilisation, but the rulers only want to destroy any threat. And this feels scarily close to home.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

8.Sep.26 vff

Rohrwacher is excellent, effortlessly navigating issues swirling both at work and at home. She feels bombarded from all sides, yet maintains an even keel as long as she possibly can. Her interaction with work colleagues is crisp and laced with sharp wit, largely because of what isn't said. And video calls with her ex and son on are performed so honestly that no one seems to be acting at all. Through all of this, the superb Lindon's Arnaud remains above it all, frighteningly unassailable.

Along the way, discussions tackle issues like diversity, inclusivity and political correctness in a way that is sometimes brutally honest, displaying attitudes most people would never admit they have. And yes, it's more than a little unsettling that we can immediately recognise these thoughts in people we know. And within ourselves. This idea that the boss should never be questioned is chilling, as is how minions should do the leader's bidding without wavering and also in full-throated agreement. So the film becomes a pointed reminder that we need to be honest, even as we weigh up the costs.

themes, language

9.Sep.26 vff

Because all of the characters have a generous complexity, even the self-occupied people are likeable. Pimentel's Juana and Salinas' Abel never truly consider anyone but themselves, but their genuine yearning to accomplish something maintains our sympathy. Garcia Bernal holds the centre beautifully, with a witty performance that continually mines underlying emotion even in the nuttiest situations. And both Nascimento and Oreiro have strong moments of their own.

This is a rare film that tackles big themes about economics and culture with so much amusing silliness. There are hilariously clever gags in almost every scene, both subtle and very broad. And the songs and Memo Guerra's score inventively create an energetic tone that sweeps us along. Its a thoroughly involving story, with quite a few big surprises along the way, and a few fantastical swings that might be a bit over-reaching. But it has important things to say about the need to be true to who you really are.

themes, language, sexuality

7.Sep.26 vff