Einstein and the Bomb: The Netflix Film Exploring Einstein’s Escape from Nazi Germany

Albert Einstein is best known for transforming modern physics, but a 2024 BBC film explores a lesser-known chapter of his life: his escape from Nazi Germany and the period he spent hiding in England.

Einstein and the Bomb, now streaming exclusively on Netflix, blends documentary material with dramatic reenactments to examine the scientist’s work, his flight from the Nazi regime and the danger he faced after leaving Germany.

The film became one of Netflix’s most-watched releases during the month of its launch, attracting viewers interested in both Einstein’s personal story and the wider history surrounding the development of nuclear weapons.

Einstein’s escape from Nazi Germany

The film takes viewers back to 1932, when Einstein left Nazi Germany.

A renowned German theorist and physicist, Einstein developed the theory of relativity and made important contributions to quantum theory. His famous equation, which established the relationship between mass and energy, also indirectly contributed to the scientific understanding that eventually played a role in the invention of the atomic bomb.

Rather than relying solely on conventional narration, Einstein and the Bomb draws on Einstein’s own words from speeches, letters and interviews to tell his story.

One of the film’s less familiar chapters focuses on his time in Norfolk, England. There, Einstein stayed in a small wooden cabin while attempting to remain out of reach of potential assassins.

Based partly on real events and historical accounts

The documentary-drama combines archival material with acted scenes to recreate this period of Einstein’s life.

Some of its historical material is drawn from Stuart McLaren’s non-fiction book Saving Einstein: When Norfolk Hid a Genius. The book examines the real people who helped protect Einstein while he was hiding at the Roughton camp in Norfolk.

The production brings those events to life through a cast led by Aidan McArdle as Einstein. Andrew Havill plays Commander Locker-Lampson, Rachel Barry portrays Margery Howard and Helena Westerman plays Barbara Goodhall.

Viewers praise the film

The film has received a positive response from audiences online, earning an overall score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.

One viewer said the documentary offered “some new insights into Einstein’s life.”

Another praised its educational value, arguing that the historical material was more significant than its entertainment elements, while still finding the film engaging. The viewer also highlighted its unusual opportunity to explore the thinking and life of one of history’s most influential figures.

Some viewers drew comparisons with Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s 2023 film about the development of the first nuclear weapons during the Second World War. One audience member went as far as calling Einstein and the Bomb “Better than Oppenheimer.”

Although the BBC production did not achieve the same level of recognition as the Oscar-winning blockbuster, the comparison reflects the overlap in subject matter and the interest surrounding the history of nuclear weapons.

Other viewers particularly enjoyed the genuine historical footage incorporated into the film. They described it as “fascinating” and praised the facts presented throughout the documentary as information “worth remembering.”

A critic similarly praised the production as a “thrilling exploration” of the various subjects connected to Einstein, saying it could leave viewers in awe.

For anyone interested in Einstein’s life, his escape from Nazi Germany or the history surrounding the atomic bomb, Einstein and the Bomb is currently available to stream exclusively on Netflix.