There’s nothing better than the truth — this is especially true of films, and biopics done right are always a treat.

While director Marjane Satrapi’s foray into Madame Marie Curie’s incredible story may be uneven, it’s also wholly engrossing and worth the wade in.

Radioactive is a timeline-turning film showing the early days of pioneer and scientist Curie as she marries her husband, turns heads, and also shows how she shaped history.

While all the time jumps slightly hurt the narrative, overall, Radioactive tells an intense, riveting story with a sharp wit and humour that was unexpected.

The Nobel Prize-winning duo of Marie Sklodowska-Curie and Pierre Curie were incredible in real life, and the duo playing them on-screen are fearless in stirring up some chemistry between them as well.

Sam Riley is fantastic as Pierre, but to presume Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike doesn’t own this film from start to finish would be a huge misstep.

Pike is the best she’s been since her raucous, diabolical and vicious turn in Gone Girl, and she’s an absolute joy to watch as this incredible icon.

Come for the story, but you’ll stay for Pike, even if the editing leaves something to be desired.

3.5/5 Stars

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