Watch Darkest Hour

In Darkest Hour, we follow Winston Churchill, portrayed by Gary Oldman, during the first few months of his term as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, beginning at the start of World War II in 1940. The film opens with Neville Chamberlain's resignation, immediately followed by Churchill's appointment to the position. As Churchill takes on this new role, he is faced with the challenge of dealing with the rapidly advancing German Army and their unstoppable push into Western Europe. The film showcases the evolution of Churchill's leadership style, from the initial difficulties he faced in gaining the trust of his political colleagues to the inspiring speeches that rallied the British people and brought hope during this dark time.

Throughout the film, we see Churchill's personal life and relationships with his wife, Clementine (Kristin Scott Thomas), and his secretary, Elizabeth Layton (Lily James). These relationships add a layer of depth to the story, showcasing Churchill as a complex character with fears, doubts, and struggles just like anyone else.

The cinematography in the film is stunning, depicting the era with incredible attention to detail. The interiors of Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament are beautifully recreated, and the scenes of Churchill on his walks through the city are expertly shot.

At its core, Darkest Hour is a character study of Winston Churchill during one of the most tumultuous periods of his life. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Churchill is remarkable, from his physical transformation to his delivery of Churchill's iconic speeches. Oldman expertly captures Churchill's wit, humor, and charisma, making the audience truly root for this remarkable historical figure.

Throughout the movie, Churchill is presented with difficult decisions, including the possibility of negotiating a peace treaty with Hitler's Germany. The tension builds as Churchill grapples with the reality of the situation and the high stakes of the decisions he must make.

Darkest Hour is a beautiful film that both educates and inspires. It offers an intimate look into the life of a great leader during a crucial moment in history. The film reminds us of the power of a leader's words and actions in times of crisis and the importance of standing up for what one believes is right.

Overall, Darkest Hour is a gripping and emotional movie that captures the essence of one of the most pivotal moments in history. The brilliant performances and stunning visuals make it a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II or the story of Winston Churchill.

Darkest Hour is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 75.