Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

The Theory of Everything (2014) movie poster

Timeline

The Theory of Everything (2014) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2014 · 123 min · German
JustWatch #1,160 14
Directed by
James Marsh
Starring
Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne
Budget
$15M

Against the backdrop of a devastating illness, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking's extraordinary mind and indomitable spirit lead to groundbreaking discoveries that challenge conventional understanding of the universe. As he confronts a future once thought impossible, his relationship with his future wife, Jane, deepens, and their unwavering love and determination become essential to his journey. Jane’s steadfast support proves vital as Stephen navigates the challenges he faces and continues his remarkable scientific work.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like The Theory of Everything
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Theory of Everything (2014)

Where can you watch The Theory of Everything? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix, Netflix Standard and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Theory of Everything Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Theory of Everything (2014) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. First Encounter

    The film begins with Stephen Hawking, a reserved Cambridge student, meeting Jane for the first time. Their initial shyness quickly gives way to an undeniable connection that sets the stage for their intertwined destinies.

    Where
    Cambridge University
  2. Diagnosis

    Stephen receives a life-altering diagnosis of a debilitating illness, which casts a shadow over his future. Fearing the pain it may bring Jane, he attempts to distance himself from her, believing it to be for the best.

  3. Marriage

    In defiance of his illness, Stephen and Jane marry soon after learning about his condition. This union marks the beginning of their journey through multiple challenges as they build a life together.

  4. Pursuit of Knowledge

    As Stephen embarks on his doctoral studies, his passion for cosmological physics intensifies. Jane remains a steadfast supporter, encouraging him as his illness gradually starts to impact his daily life.

    Where
    Cambridge
  5. Children

    The couple welcomes two children into their lives, further binding them together. However, the demands of parenthood coupled with Stephen's deteriorating health test the limits of Jane's resilience.

  6. Growing Tensions

    While Stephen's career shines brighter, Jane finds her own spirit waning under the burden of caregiving. She keeps her struggles hidden, but the emotional toll becomes increasingly palpable.

  7. New Connections

    Encouraged by her mother, Jane joins a church choir, which leads her to meet Jonathan, the choir's tutor. Jonathan becomes a comforting presence in Jane's life, providing emotional support during difficult times.

  8. Complications

    As Jane develops feelings for Jonathan, she faces a moral dilemma. Conflicted by her emotions and loyalty to Stephen, she experiences a deep internal struggle when Jonathan withdraws from interacting with their family.

  9. Health Crisis

    During an opera outing, Stephen suffers a critical health episode, leading him to slip into a coma. The medical team is torn about the procedure needed to save him, placing Jane in a position of advocating for her husband's care.

    Where
    Opera House
  10. Communication Barrier

    Following Jane's advocacy, Stephen undergoes a tracheotomy, resulting in a new communication barrier. This decision deepens the emotional distance between them as Stephen must adapt to yet another challenge.

  11. Helping Hand

    Recognizing her limits, Jane hires Elaine to assist Stephen with his daily needs. As Elaine steps in, Jane's presence in Stephen's life begins to wane, highlighting the strain on their relationship.

  12. Robotic Voice

    Stephen acquires a robotic speech aid, which revitalizes his ability to communicate. This technological advancement briefly ignites hope within the Hawking family as they navigate their relationship in a new light.

  13. Separation

    Faced with insurmountable tension, Jane reaches her breaking point and files for divorce from Stephen. This decision underscores the emotional toll the years of caregiving and life with illness have exacted on her.

  14. New Beginnings

    After their separation, Jane eventually marries Jonathan, signifying a new chapter in her life. However, this relational transition brings its own complexities as she navigates her past with Stephen.

  15. Recognition

    In a beautiful moment of reconciliation, Stephen calls for Jane during a prestigious honor from the Queen. This poignant interaction serves as a reminder of their shared history and the enduring bond that remains despite their separation.

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:24

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

The Theory of Everything Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Theory of Everything (2014): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Stephen try to distance himself from Jane after his diagnosis?

Stephen attempts to push Jane away because he knows his illness will progressively worsen and ultimately leave him completely paralyzed. He believed that by separating from her early, he would spare Jane from the emotional and physical burden of caring for him as his condition deteriorated.

  • stephen hawking
  • jane hawking
  • motor neuron disease
  • diagnosis
  • separation
Q2

Why does Jane choose to marry Stephen despite his prognosis?

Jane is determined to stay with Stephen because she loves him deeply and wants to face his illness alongside him. She understands his condition will worsen but refuses to abandon him, choosing commitment over the easier path of leaving.

  • jane hawking
  • marriage
  • love
  • commitment
  • illness
Q3

Why does Jane develop feelings for Jonathan?

Jane becomes emotionally vulnerable after years of intensive caregiving for Stephen while also raising two children. Jonathan, as the church choir tutor, provides her with emotional support and companionship that she desperately needs, leading her to develop feelings for him.

Foreshadowing: Jane's mother suggests she join the choir to occupy her free time, creating the opportunity for Jonathan to enter her life.

  • jane hawking
  • jonathan
  • choir
  • emotional affair
  • caregiving burnout
Q4

Why does Jonathan distance himself from Jane and her family?

Jonathan notices the murmurs of concern from friends and family about his growing closeness to Jane. Recognizing the potential damage to Stephen's reputation and the family's wellbeing, he withdraws from interacting with them to avoid further complicating their situation.

  • jonathan
  • social pressure
  • withdrawal
  • family dynamics
Q5

Why does Jane approve the tracheotomy even though it would limit Stephen's communication?

Jane advocates for the tracheotomy because Stephen was in a coma and the medical team was hesitant due to his severely atrophied muscles. She chose to save his life first, understanding that they would then need to find new ways to communicate after the procedure.

  • tracheotomy
  • coma
  • medical decision
  • jane hawking
  • communication
Q6

Why does Jane hire Elaine to care for Stephen?

Jane reaches her physical and emotional limits after years of intensive caregiving. She hires Elaine because she needs assistance with Stephen's daily care, allowing Jane to have some relief while still maintaining her marriage.

  • elaine
  • caregiver
  • jane hawking
  • burnout
  • hiring help
Q7

Why does Jane file for divorce from Stephen?

Jane files for divorce because the accumulated strain of years caregiving for Stephen, combined with the emotional distance created by his communication difficulties and her growing relationship with Jonathan, becomes insurmountable. She reaches her breaking point after trying to hold everything together.

  • divorce
  • jane hawking
  • separation
  • emotional toll
  • caregiving
Q8

Why does Stephen call for Jane at his Queen honor ceremony?

Despite their divorce, Stephen wants Jane by his side when receiving his prestigious honor from the Queen because she was his rock during his most difficult years. This moment shows that their bond and mutual respect endured beyond their marriage.

Foreshadowing: The film ends with this poignant reconciliation moment, highlighting their enduring connection.

  • queen
  • honor
  • recognition
  • reconciliation
  • bond
Q9

How does the robotic speech aid change Stephen's communication?

The robotic speech aid gives Stephen a new voice that significantly improves his ability to communicate. However, it also creates a new dynamic in his relationships as they must adjust to communicating through this technological device.

  • robotic voice
  • speech aid
  • communication
  • technology
Q10

How does Stephen's illness affect his body throughout the film?

Stephen's motor neuron disease progressively weakens his muscles, affecting his movement, balance, speech, and eventually his ability to swallow. The film shows his physical deterioration while his scientific achievements continue to grow.

  • motor neuron disease
  • progression
  • physical decline
  • health

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Theory of Everything, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Theory of Everything tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Love Stories Tested by Illness like The Theory of Everything

Intimate dramas where a life-altering diagnosis transforms a relationship. If you were moved by the love story in The Theory of Everything, explore these other movies about relationships profoundly shaped by a devastating illness. Discover similar intimate dramas and romantic stories where caregiving, sacrifice, and unwavering support are central themes.

  • heartbreaking
  • intimate
  • persevering
  • emotional
  • devastating
  • hopeful
  • Tone: bittersweet, heartfelt, melancholic
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a couple as they navigate the challenges of a debilitating medical condition. The journey often charts the initial shock, the daily struggles of caregiving, the strain on the relationship, and a redefinition of love and partnership in the face of adversity.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the intersection of romance and chronic or life-threatening illness. They share a heavy emotional weight, a bittersweet tone, and an intimate portrayal of how love is tested and transformed by extreme circumstances.

Bittersweet Biographical Triumphs like The Theory of Everything

Inspiring true stories where great achievement is shadowed by personal cost. Fans of The Theory of Everything will appreciate these other movies based on true stories of remarkable achievement. Find similar inspiring biopics and biographical dramas that explore the personal costs and emotional complexity behind great scientific or artistic triumphs.

  • inspirational
  • reflective
  • melancholic
  • hopeful
  • persevering
  • intimate
  • Tone: bittersweet, inspirational, reflective
  • Pacing: steady, linear
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern follows a historical figure's journey to a major breakthrough or success, interweaving their professional struggles with profound personal challenges. The stories are straightforward in their chronological approach but complex in their emotional landscape, often ending with a mixture of admiration for the achievement and sorrow for the personal losses endured.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared structure as biopics that balance monumental achievement with deep personal hardship. They create a cohesive viewing experience through a steady pacing, a consistent bittersweet tone, and a focus on the human cost of greatness.

If you liked this

Movies Like The Theory of Everything

Similar movies to The Theory of Everything: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

The Theory of Everything (2014) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Theory of Everything in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app