Benedict Cumberbatch races against time in 'The Imitation Game' teaser

British mathematician Alan Turing had the tough job during World War II of deciphering Nazi codes, a task that ultimately helped lead to the Allied victory. But Turing’s life wasn’t smooth sailing even after his huge success: He was later prosecuted for being gay, then considered a crime.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Turing in the upcoming The Imitation Game, which documents Turing’s race against time during the war and his life before and after. Directed by Morten Tyldum, the film also features Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, and Mark Strong.

The Imitation Game arrives in theaters November 21.