On the surface, The Imitation Game recounts the efforts of mathematician Alan Turning (Benedict Cumberbatch) to crack the Enigma code used by Nazi Germany during World War II. Underneath, director Morten Tyldem’s film concerns itself with Turing’s haunted past and repressed personality, suggesting his adeptness at code-breaking owed as much to his intellectual tunnel vision as his closeted (or “encrypted”) homosexuality.

“These kinds of large-scale biographical treatments often seem tailor-made to win awards, but in the hands of Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game actually deserves them,” writes Laura Kern for Essential Films. So far, the film seems on track for glory as its already received Golden Globe, Screen Actors’ Guild, and British Independent Film Awards nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

So what’s The Imitation Game’s secret? Kern argues: “Entire films could surely be made about each of Turing’s many facets, but the one Tyldum has given us—smart, satisfying, and wholly involving—makes for a strong start.” Gain some more insights by reading the full piece here.