Einstein's Big Idea (2005): cast, story & where to watch

2005 · Film · ★ 7

Einstein's Big Idea poster

Released in 2005, Einstein's Big Idea is a drama and documentary film directed by Gary Johnstone, running about 120 minutes. “The story behind the world's most famous equation, E = mc2” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Over 100 years ago, Albert Einstein grappled with the implications of his revolutionary special theory of relativity and came to a startling conclusion: mass and energy are one, related by the formula E = mc2. In "Einstein's Big Idea," NOVA dramatizes the remarkable story behind this equation. E = mc2 was just one of several extraordinary breakthroughs that Einstein made in 1905, including the completion of his special theory of relativity, his identification of proof that atoms exist, and his explanation of the nature of light, which would win him the Nobel Prize in Physics. Among Einstein's ideas, E = mc2 is by far the most famous. Yet how many people know what it really means? In a thought-provoking and engrossing docudrama, NOVA illuminates this deceptively simple formula by unraveling the story of how it came to be.

Who’s in it. Einstein's Big Idea stars Aidan McArdle as Einstein, Anton Lesser as Voltaire, Andrew Callaway as Maupertuis and Julian Rhind-Tutt as Antoine Lavoisier, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Einstein's Big Idea has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Einstein's Big Idea page.

If you liked it. Fans of Einstein's Big Idea tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Einstein's Big Idea (2005)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Einstein's Big Idea change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Einstein's Big Idea worth watching?
Einstein's Big Idea holds an audience score of 7.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in Einstein's Big Idea?
Einstein's Big Idea stars Aidan McArdle, Anton Lesser, Andrew Callaway, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Shirley Henderson.
When was Einstein's Big Idea released?
Einstein's Big Idea was released in 2005, with a runtime of about 120 minutes.