The Incredible Machine

Rating: Null/10 (24 April 2017)

Cracking the Nazi Enigma machine takes a toll on mathematician Alan Turing in this biographical drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Far from a traditional biopic, the film transitions between Turing's childhood, his World War II days and the 1950s in which he was investigated on charges of homosexuality (a crime in the UK at the time). Some of the transitions are a little jarring, but in general, the film flows well, giving quite an insight into the way Turing's arguably autistic mind worked. One of the best elements of the film is how Turing's code cracking days help the socially awkward man learn how to function in the world, discovering that if he is nice to others, they will want to assist him and so forth. There is something quite sad to his tale; not just because he was persecuted for being gay and never recognised as a war hero, but because his social awkwardness was never properly treated. This is, however, ultimately an inspiring and uplifting tale, with Cumberbatch's boyish excitement when he realises that he has finally figured how to crack the code coming off just as intense as his sadder moments. Alexandre Desplat's score with sounds similar to computer dings is a nice touch too, and while the script may take some historical liberties, it nevertheless provides a fascinating look at the success of a social misfit and the society that refused to accept him.