Cornell University: Cornell mathematician featured in Netflix film

“I find infinity beautiful and thrilling,” says mathematician Steven Strogatz in the trailer for the new Netflix program in which he is featured, “A Trip to Infinity,” being released Sept. 26.

“The main idea of the film involves an exploration of infinity from several perspectives: mathematical, physical, philosophical, theological,” says Strogatz. “I think the big question is whether infinity can exist in the real world. We know it exists in human minds, but is it also out there in reality?”

The filmmakers, Jon Halperin and Mark Mannucci, first met with Strogatz at a little cafe at the Brooks Brothers in Manhattan, soon after the release of Strogatz’s book “Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe.” They continued to consult him throughout the development of the film’s concept, says Strogatz.

“Frequently this would involve doing Zoom sessions, brainstorming about what the movie should be about and who should be in it,” Strogatz says. “At some point we started to have three-way discussions with mathematician Moon Duchin of Tufts University and physicist Carlo Rovelli. It was a lot of fun brainstorming with all of them.”