Britain's Greatest Codebreaker

A somber, intelligent docudrama that interweaves interviews and reenactments to convey the tragedy of a brilliant mind undone by prejudice.

Directed by

Clare Beavan, Nic Stacey

Genres

Documentary, Drama, History

Starring

Ed Stoppard, Henry Goodman, Paul McGann

Tagline

Genius. Hero. Outcast.

Overview

Alan Turing is the genius British mathematician who was instrumental in breaking the German naval Enigma Code during World War II, arguably saving millions of lives. Turing's achievements went unrecognised during his lifetime. Instead he ended up being treated as a common criminal, for being homosexual at a time when homosexual acts were a crime. In 1952, he was convicted of 'gross indecency' with another man and was forced to undergo so-called 'organo-therapy' - chemical castration. Two years later, he killed himself with cyanide, aged just 41. Alan Turing was driven to a terrible despair and early death by the nation he'd done so much to save.

How it feels

Melancholic, earnest, dark and tense. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Identity, isolation, grief, justice

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)