Darkest Hour (2017)

Director: Joe Wright

Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas

In May 1940, the fate of World War II hangs on Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean the end of the British Empire.

I generally don’t like political movies as I usually find them terribly boring. I therefore had the preconceived idea I wasn’t going to enjoy ‘Darkest Hour’. However, thanks to Joe Wright’s unique approach to a political drama, the film surprisingly managed to hold my attention from beginning to end.

‘Darkest Hour’ tells us how Winston Churchill became Prime Minister. He is Neville Chamberlain’s successor, who resigned when the Cabinet lost faith in him, and also due to health reasons. Churchill himself was unpopular, but the best candidate at the time. Timing was not the best for him, though, as the world was in the midst of war, and Hitler’s troops were advancing to the United Kingdom.

Despite all the drama and politics, the film was also unexpectedly funny. This is a very well made film; dramatic when it should be, and funny when it could be. It was a perfect balance, and therefore captivated me all the way.

And let’s talk performances. My gosh, Gary Oldman was incredible!!! He simply was perfect as Winston Churchill. Gary Oldman is a very gifted actor, but he outdid himself. Absolutely bloody fantastic! The make-up was also insanely good. I hardly recognized Gary Oldman.

‘Darkest Hour’ might not be an action-packed war movie, and is mainly a talkie, but this was nevertheless one very interesting talkie! In general, ‘Darkest Hour’ was a nice surprise. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. In fact, I didn’t want the film to end when it did…

‘Darkest Hour’ received 136 award nominations, winning 54 including 2 Oscars (well deservedly for Gary Oldman as Best Actor, and Best Make-up and Hairstyling). At the box office, the film earned nearly $151 million on a $30 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.