The Zero Theorem

3 1/2 out of 4 Stars

The Zero Theorem is the latest installment in the dystopian society trilogy from the surreal and philosophical mind of Terry Gilliam. Like Gilliam's previous nightmarish-epics (Brazil and 12 Monkeys), The Zero Theorem is a futuristic look at a society ruled by an Orwellian presence of bureaucracy and corporations. At the center of this hectic society is Qohen (Pronounced "Cohen", not "Quinn"), an introverted data processor who cannot handle the real world outside of his home as he requests Management (Matt Damon emulating Richard Burton with cold reserve) to crunch numbers away from the office. Qohen finds himself to be the head of the Zero Theorem project, in which he tries to compute, day in and day out, an equation in which zero equals 100% leading him into a world in which his sanity and social inequalities are tested by those around him.

Christoph Waltz is amazing as the unhinged and introverted Qohen. Funny and moving, Waltz captures the essence of a man bogged down by a technologically driven society and trying to find solace in his life in the most surreal ways, such as virtual reality dating with Bainsley, played by a vivacious and zesty Melanie Thierry. Assisting Qohen is the optimistic and foolish Joby portrayed by a hilarious David Thewlis and the son of Management played by Lucas Hedges. When not being in the presence of his coworkers and superiors, Qohen is synthesized and deconstructed by a nutty psychotherapist played by an always amazing Tilda Swinton.    

The film does steer into some head-scratching hairpin turns in terms of the story, yet that is the beauty of a Terry Gilliam film. Through the dark and humorous mind that has crafted the satirical and surrealist cartoons for Monty Python's Flying Circus, Gilliam manages to make a version of Her that is more visceral and wild mixed with a genuine cautionary tale about how we can nor cannot socialize in an over-saturated world of technology.