Genius

As anti-Semitism reaches a fever pitch in 1930s Germany, famed physicist Albert Einstein (Geoffrey Rush) wrestles with the decision to seek refuge in America with his second wife, Elsa (Emily Watson), or to stay in solidarity with fellow Jewish academics. The struggle evokes memories of his first days as a headstrong student at Zurich Polytechnic when he met the first love of his life, Mileva Maric.

After butting heads with Mileva Maric (Samantha Colley), the only girl in his class at Zurich Polytechnic, Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn) falls in love with this determined fellow student. While the passionate affair fans the flames of their mutual curiosity and love of science, their reckless abandon doesn’t go unnoticed by Einstein’s strict physics teacher, Professor Weber.

Recent university graduate Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn) struggles to make ends meet while trying to land an academic post in a scientific world rigid with tradition and protocol. After finally securing various tutoring jobs, he moves one step closer to being able to provide for his pregnant wife, Mileva (Samantha Colley), when tragedy strikes.

While working a day job at the Bern patent office, Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn) burns the candle at both ends supported by his new wife, Mileva (Samantha Colley), fueling four papers, among them the theory of special relativity, in what will historically be considered his “miracle year.” One of the papers catches the attention of notable theoretical physicist Max Planck.

With new teaching duties, Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn) finally begins to experience the academic life he long coveted as he develops his theory of general relativity. Enjoying his first taste of acclaim among the most renowned scientific minds of Europe, Einstein falters in his familial responsibilities. His only relief comes from a visit to extended family, where he is introduced to his cousin Elsa.

After moving his family to Berlin for work, and to be closer to his new love Elsa (Emily Watson), Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn) sets out to prove his theory of general relativity. He enlists the help of an astronomer to photograph a solar eclipse in Russia, but the expedition goes awry. Einstein’s affair becomes less secret, and Elsa forces an ultimatum: divorce Mileva or lose her forever.

Exhausted and worn out, Albert Einstein’s (Geoffrey Rush) attempt to make scientific history is put to the test as he begins to experience health issues. Meanwhile, sweeping patriotism in the wake of the war has corrupted one of his closest friends, Fritz Haber (Richard Topol), pitting them against each other. In the German war effort, Albert is the lone scientist to refuse the call to arms.

Attempting to flee to the United States, Albert Einstein (Geoffrey Rush) and his wife Elsa (Emily Watson) find that their visas have been blocked for entry by the U.S. State Department because Einstein’s politics placed him on the radar of FBI director J. Edgar Hoover (T.R. Knight). Just days before his departure, Einstein must convince the U.S. Consul in Germany that he is no threat to the country.

Albert Einstein (Geoffrey Rush) and Elsa (Emily Watson) settle into America while trying to save those he left behind. Although quantum physics continues to vex him, his focus is diverted by the splitting of the atom in Nazi Germany. When tragedy strikes, Einstein seeks comfort in the arms of a Russian woman whose intentions are unclear.

After the atomic bomb is dropped and WWII ends, Albert Einstein (Geoffrey Rush) assumes the role of world citizen in his elder years. Having been linked to nuclear weapons, he drowns in guilt and refocuses his efforts to prevent further wars. Inspiration strikes when a young neighbor asks him for homework help, reminding him of the joy that science once brought.

From Executive Producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, GENIUS, will focus on Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein. The all-star cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Johnny Flynn, and Emily Watson.

Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush gives an inside look at playing Albert Einstein.

Ron Howard and Brian Grazer provide a glimpse behind the scenes of National Geographic's global event series, Genius.

Go on the set of Genius with Johnny Flynn and get an inside look at his breakout performance as the younger Albert Einstein.

Emily Watson ('Elsa Einstein') takes us behind the scenes of Genius, and reveals what it's like to be Geoffrey Rush's work wife.