Radioactive (2020)

Radioactive (2020) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online

Radioactive (2020), directed by Marjane Satrapi, is a biographical drama that chronicles the extraordinary life of Marie Curie, the pioneering scientist whose groundbreaking work in radioactivity won her two Nobel Prizes. Based on the graphic novel Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss, the film takes a unique approach to exploring Curie’s scientific achievements and the personal challenges she faced as a woman in the male-dominated scientific world of the early 20th century. With Rosamund Pike delivering a captivating performance as Curie, Radioactive offers a compelling portrayal of the risks and rewards of scientific discovery. In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s strengths and shortcomings, and show you where you can stream or rent Radioactive online in the United States.

Plot Summary: The Story of Marie Curie

Radioactive follows the life of Marie Curie (Rosamund Pike) from her early struggles as a Polish immigrant in Paris to her revolutionary discoveries in the field of radioactivity. Along with her husband and scientific partner, Pierre Curie (Sam Riley), Marie isolates two radioactive elements, polonium and radium, which ultimately earn them a Nobel Prize in Physics. However, Pierre’s sudden and tragic death leaves Marie devastated, forcing her to continue her work alone while also raising two daughters.

The film not only focuses on her scientific breakthroughs but also on the consequences of her discoveries. While her work leads to advancements in medical treatments like X-rays and cancer therapies, it also contributes to the development of atomic bombs, highlighting the complex legacy of her discoveries.

Throughout the film, we see Marie grappling with societal prejudice, personal loss, and the ethical implications of her work. Radioactive provides a deeply human portrait of a woman whose contributions changed the course of science forever.

Why Radioactive (2020) Is a Unique Biopic

1. Rosamund Pike’s Standout Performance
   Rosamund Pike delivers a powerful portrayal of Marie Curie, capturing her fierce determination, intellectual brilliance, and vulnerability. Pike embodies the complexity of Curie’s character—both as a passionate scientist and as a mother and wife navigating personal tragedies. Her performance is both intense and nuanced, making Curie feel accessible while also highlighting her immense contributions to science. Pike’s portrayal of Curie is a standout in a biopic that seeks to bring a larger-than-life figure down to a relatable level.
2. A Visual Representation of Science
   One of the most striking aspects of Radioactive is its visual storytelling. Satrapi, known for her work in Persepolis, uses vivid, almost dreamlike sequences to depict the invisible forces of radioactivity, which gives the audience a sense of the power and danger of Marie’s discoveries. These artistic flourishes add a unique, modern touch to a historical drama. By visually representing the far-reaching impacts of Curie’s work—both good and bad—the film offers a broader context for her scientific legacy, including how it influenced everything from cancer treatments to the atomic bomb.
3. Exploring the Ethical Dilemmas of Science
   Unlike many biopics that focus solely on the accomplishments of their subjects, Radioactive doesn’t shy away from the darker side of Curie’s discoveries. While her work opened doors for advancements in medicine, it also laid the groundwork for the devastating use of nuclear weapons. The film juxtaposes moments from Curie’s life with scenes from the future—such as the Hiroshima bombing and the Chernobyl disaster—emphasizing the dual-edged sword of her work. This thoughtful exploration of the moral implications of scientific discovery adds depth to the film, making it more than just a traditional biopic.
4. Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatic License
   As with most biopics, Radioactive takes some liberties with historical events to enhance the drama. While the major milestones in Curie’s life are accurately portrayed, certain aspects are dramatized or condensed for cinematic purposes. The film focuses heavily on her relationship with Pierre and the emotional toll of his death, which serves as a driving force for much of her character development. Despite these embellishments, the film remains true to the essence of Curie’s life and work, offering an inspiring glimpse into the challenges and triumphs she faced.
5. Feminism and Breaking Boundaries
   One of the central themes of Radioactive is Curie’s struggle against the gender norms of her time. As one of the few women in a male-dominated field, Marie had to fight for recognition and respect. The film highlights her resilience in the face of sexism, particularly when her Nobel Prize in Chemistry was overshadowed by public scandal due to her relationship with fellow scientist Paul Langevin (Aneurin Barnard). The feminist undertones of the movie are particularly relevant today, as they showcase Curie’s perseverance in a world that often sought to undermine her achievements.

Where to Watch Radioactive (2020) Online in America

If you’re interested in watching Radioactive, it’s available on various streaming platforms and digital rental services. Here’s a breakdown of where you can stream or rent the film in the U.S.:

Streaming Services

1. Amazon Prime Video
   Radioactive is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. As an Amazon Original movie, it’s included in the Prime subscription at no additional cost. If you’re a Prime member, you can watch the movie instantly. For those without a subscription, Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and includes access to a vast library of movies and TV shows, as well as other benefits like free shipping.

Rental and Purchase Options

1. Apple iTunes
   You can rent Radioactive on Apple iTunes for $3.99 or purchase it for $14.99. The film is available in HD and can be streamed on any Apple device or through the Apple TV app.
2. Google Play Movies & TV
   On Google Play, Radioactive is available for rental at $3.99 and for purchase at $14.99. You can watch the movie on Android devices, Chromecast, or through the Google Play app on smart TVs and other platforms.
3. Vudu
   Vudu offers both rental and purchase options for Radioactive. The rental price is $3.99 and the purchase price is $14.99. Vudu is known for its high-quality streaming and often runs promotions, so keep an eye out for any discounts.
4. YouTube Movies
   Radioactive is also available on YouTube Movies, where you can rent it for $3.99 or purchase it for $14.99. This is a convenient option for those who prefer streaming through YouTube.
5. Microsoft Store
   On the Microsoft Store, you can rent the film for $3.99 or buy it for $14.99. It’s a great choice for viewers who want to stream on Windows devices or Xbox.

Conclusion

Radioactive (2020) is a visually striking and thought-provoking biopic that delves into the life and legacy of one of history’s most important scientists, Marie Curie. With Rosamund Pike’s powerful performance and Marjane Satrapi’s creative direction, the film offers a fresh take on the traditional biographical drama, blending historical accuracy with artistic flair. While it may not be a perfect film, it succeeds in bringing attention to both the brilliance and complexity of Curie’s contributions to science.

For those interested in learning about the life of Marie Curie through a cinematic lens, Radioactive is widely available for streaming and rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Google Play. It’s a must-watch for anyone fascinated by science, history, and stories of trailblazing women.