“The Theory of Everything,” showcased at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival,” movingly dramatizes the Hawking story, thanks in large part to the memorable performance as Hawking by Eddie Redmayne, surely likely to be considered for awards. The screenplay, written by Anthony McCarten, is based on the memoir “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen,” by Jane Hawking, who was married to the physicist for more than 25 years and with whom she had three children. James Marsh has directed the film in the full-fledged style of high drama mingled with personal detail.

Such a saga has much to be covered, and this is accomplished skillfully, both respect to the narrative and the fine acting. Felicity Jones gives a poignant performance as Jane Wilde, who sticks staunchly by him upon the discovery of his illness and the heartbreakingly physical deterioration he begins to endure. The story chronicles their lives, even to the point where they drift apart and both develop other romantic interests. A key personal moment in the film occurs when Hawking breaks the news to his wife that he has asked the woman who has worked so closely with him on his medical and technical needs to accompany him to America from England.

We see Hawking as a vigorous, agile, athletic young man at university, watch as the early signs of his illness appear, and then see the shattering further descent. Although he was given only a short time to live, Hawking defied the odds and continued to be a towering scientific figure. His book “A Short History of Time” became a best-seller. Now 72, he cannot talk but communicates through a mechanism that produces a speaking voice, enabling him to continue his work.