Here are reviews and recommendations of STEM movies and series, in no particular order:
The Imitation Game
This biographical film tells the life story of Alan Turing, the British mathematician who deciphered the Enigma code during World War II. It’s a moving portrayal of a brilliant yet misunderstood mind, highlighting Turing’s pivotal contributions to modern computing. Recommended for those interested in the history of cryptography and the early days of artificial intelligence.The Playlist
This series follows the story of Spotify and how it revolutionized the music industry. It shows the conflict between technological innovation and the old power structures in the music business. Recommended for those interested in the impact of tech platforms on culture and business.The Billion Dollar Code
This miniseries, based on true events, depicts the legal battle between two German programmers and Google over the patent rights to what eventually became Google Earth. It’s a courtroom drama about innovation, intellectual property, and justice in the digital age. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about startups and tech giants.Blackberry
This film follows the rise and fall of Blackberry, one of the pioneering companies in smartphone development. It’s a fascinating look at the fast-paced world of technology and how innovation—and failure to adapt—can make or break a company. Recommended for those interested in the history of mobile technology and the rise of personal devices.The Theory of Everything
This biopic about Stephen Hawking narrates his personal and professional life, focusing on his battle with ALS while developing groundbreaking theories about the universe. It’s a moving and visually stunning film. Highly recommended for those looking for an inspiring story about science and personal perseverance.The Man Who Knew Infinity
The film portrays the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-taught mathematical prodigy who travels from India to Cambridge to collaborate with mathematician G.H. Hardy. It’s a tribute to intellectual perseverance and the genius that breaks cultural and academic barriers. Recommended for those who enjoy biographical stories about mathematical prodigies.Oppenheimer
An epic portrait of the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb in the Manhattan Project. The film explores the ethical and emotional impact of creating a weapon of mass destruction. Highly recommended for those interested in the history of science and the ethical dilemmas associated with technology.The Social Network
The film tells the story of Facebook’s creation and the rise of Mark Zuckerberg. It shows the personal and legal conflicts that accompanied the success of one of the most influential platforms of the 21st century. Recommended for those who want to understand the origins of social networks and the ethical challenges of digital power.The Social Dilemma
This documentary analyzes the negative impact of social media on society, from psychological manipulation to the erosion of democracy. With interviews from former tech company executives, it’s a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked technology. Recommended for those interested in the social and psychological effects of social networks.Steve Jobs
Directed by Danny Boyle, this biopic offers an intimate look at Steve Jobs’s life, centered around three key moments in his career. Through sharp and dramatic dialogue, the film presents the Apple founder as a visionary but also as a complex figure. Recommended for those looking for a personal portrait of one of the most influential figures in modern technology.Citizenfour
This documentary follows whistleblower Edward Snowden as he reveals the U.S. government’s mass surveillance program. It’s a raw and urgent look at privacy, security, and governmental power. Recommended for those interested in digital rights and privacy.The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz
This documentary tells the life of Aaron Swartz, a digital activist and programmer who fought for free access to information. His tragic death highlights the conflicts between information freedom and restrictive laws. Recommended for those looking to explore the intersection of technology, activism, and civil rights in the digital age.