Radioactive, the Marie and Pierre Curie biopic directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis), will make its World Premiere as the Closing Night Gala Presentation of the 44th Toronto International Film Festival on September 14.

This true story of epic proportions explores the love, passion, and scientific breakthroughs that surrounded Marie Curie’s extraordinary life and her enduring legacy, which has shaped some of the defining moments of the 20th century. Radioactive stars Rosamund Pike as the two-time Nobel Prize–winning scientist and follows her passionate romance and groundbreaking discoveries with fellow scientist Pierre Curie (Sam Riley).

After meeting in Paris in the late 19th century, Marie and Pierre marry, raise two daughters, and change the science world forever with their discovery of polonium and radium. The pair’s discoveries led to them both winning a Nobel Prize in 1903. Marie was the first woman ever to attain the esteemed award.

“Radioactive will be the third of my works to show here in Toronto. For me it is third time lucky,” said Satrapi. “This film is a celebration of Madame Curie – an extraordinary woman – and its message could not be more timely. To be invited to be the Closing Night Gala is both a great honor and a perfect way to present our film to the world.”

The film is based on the graphic novel by Lauren Redniss, Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout. Supporting cast includes Anya Taylor-Joy as Curie’s daughter and Aneurin Barnard as Paul Langevin,
Marie’s lover later in life.

The 44th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 5 to 15, 2019.