How much pressure can true love withstand? How long can a strained marriage last in the face of struggle and hardship? These questions are almost intolerably sappy, but they also happen to be the ones that The Theory of Everything chooses to ask.

In James Marsh’s new biopic of Stephen Hawking, the focus is on the seemingly flawless romance between the two protagonists, Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his wife Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). Mostly overlooking Hawking’s scientific achievements and personal struggles with ALS, in The Theory of Everything, the only science that we get to see up close is the chemistry between Stephen and Jane throughout their topsy-turvy relationship. From its hopeful start to an uplifting finish, the bond between the two Cambridge graduates is eminent, yet I couldn’t help but wonder what the actual Stephen Hawking would think when seeing his life portrayed in this fashion.

When added up, The Theory of Everything has all the parts of a conventional romance. Emotionally stirring scene where Stephen and Jane’s love is strained and put to the test? Check. Scene where the two lovebirds quarrel but then promptly make-up? Check. In fact, just when you thought there was no way of overdoing it any more, we see the monotonously familiar montage of the couple frolicking about, while the sound of happy violins bombards your already manipulated emotions.

Being a secret admirer of romantic films myself, it’s not that I had an issue with the genre of this movie. Instead, my frustration lies in the movie’s ability to toss you around like a rag-doll, juggling your emotions as it pleases. During the completion of Stephen’s PhD., we look on as the helpless young man learns of his developing physical condition, and watch as he reacts in despair – knowing he only has two years left to live. A real tearjerker on all accounts, this somber episode is finally patched up with a touch of light humour. The audience sits back, thinking they’re safe when bam, the doleful sound of a violin slowly edges its way into the following scene, forcing you to take out the box of Kleenex you had just been putting away.

If you were hoping that The Theory of Everything would be an in-depth look at Stephen Hawking’s life and scientific accomplishments, then you’re out of luck. But, if you don’t mind a little romance, and a bit of an emotional roller coaster, then it’s probably for you.

Verdict: Despite the excessive tugging of the heartstrings, this is a nicely constructed film that should be worth your while – depending on what you’re in the mood for.