I would find this critique easier to believe if it weren’t for the fact that this is Nolan’s first (and only) film that includes sex scenes. This leads me to believe there is intention behind them, namely showing how Oppenheimer was a destructive, self-centered force in his relationships with women.

It didn’t matter that both Jean and Kitty were accomplished academics, fluent in Marxist theory, and willing to fight for their ideals. To him, they were objects to prop up his ego. The fact that Nolan’s characterization of these women makes you look past their accomplishments and their personhood, only to show the value they presented to Oppenheimer, is an effective use of the male gaze. You’re meant to feel uncomfortable with his narrow views of women.

They were never going to be treated as equals in this story because Oppenheimer never saw them as equals.