Darkest Hour Review

"You can not reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!"


Welcome back everyone to our first film review of 2018. Darkest Hour was directed by Joe Wright, and stars the likes of Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Ronald Pickup and Stephen Dillane. The follows Winston Churchill being appointed Prime Minster during the early days of the second world war, and explores Churchill being faced with the collapse of Western Europe and facing the tough decision of whether to attempt to negotiate with Hitler or fight against incredible odds.

Well what can I say, the trailers for this film had me hyped for a political World War 2 film that focused on the struggles of Winston Churchill during the early days of World War 2, and I can't be happier with the final film that we got. The film is truly impressive and honestly one of the standout films that I have seen in a long time. Not only is the plot of the film engaging but the performances are absolutely incredible and really help to set the world in which the film is set. Credit is due to Gary Oldman who literally steals the spotlight for the film (without a doubt a lead for the best actor Oscar this year!!). Not only does he look the part (thanks to an incredible prosthetic and make up team) but Oldman really captures the voice of the Churchill and captures the smaller mannerisms that really helps to create a lifelike and three dimensional performance of the man himself. It is honestly one of Oldman's best performances that I have ever seen of his, and one of the best portrayals of the Churchill that has graced the cinema screen. Whist the limelight is of course on Oldman during the film, the side characters also stand out, and give great performances as well, including Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI, who gives a great insight into the Royal Families viewpoint and relationship with Churchill at the start of the war and during the start of Churchill's time in office. But it is Lilly James performance as Churchill's assistant who really brings an unlikely friendship to the film, allowing for deeper more intimate moments during the duration of the film set in the backdrop of one of the most tragic events in history. Credit is also due to the visual style of the film, and there are truly some breathtaking visual moments that are just gorgeous to look at and admire, and whilst the tone is dark and gritty (representing the dire time period), the filmmakers behind the film really take this as an opportunity to creatively express representing that dark time period with some beautiful framing (at time isolating the characters) and excellent use of lighting to capture and enhance the nature of the time period in which the film is set.

One thing to mention is that this film is a slow burner in terms of the overall pace of the film. Whilst I completely agree with the slow pace of the film (just my opinion of course), which in my opinion is used effectively to establish the characters and explore the finer details behind Churchill and the intricacies of the inner workings of the British parliament during the outbreak of war, some people might find that at some points during the film it might be a bit too slow for them. But you have to look at the fact that this film is exploring the workings of Churchill and his government during the outbreak of war, and not a war film exploring the conflict on the front lines. That might not be everyone's cup of tea but it certainly was mine. One small criticism could be that some of the imagery that used CGI, especially a certain aerial shot looking over the French evacuation could of been a bit sharper, but hey that is just me being super critical and won't ruin your enjoyment of the film at all.

Overall I would absolutely recommend this film, and I really believe that Oldman is in with a chance of winning the best actor award at the Oscars this year. (If he doesn't I will honestly be shocked!). If you go and see this film you will not be disappointed, and this without a doubt has been one of the standout films in recent years.

Verdict: 5 out 5 stars