Member review

“Darkest Hour” is a gripping, powerful and beautifully-constructed drama that riveted me from start-to finish.

It was a privilege to see this film as part of the Into Film festival; this is not the sort of movie that I would usually watch on the big screen, so I was very pleased to see “Darkest Hour.”

Gary Oldman delivers a truly outstanding performance as Winston Churchill; Oldman manages to invest the audience in Churchill even though he spends a large bulk of his screen time bellowing at various supporting characters. He commands every scene that he appears in, captivating not only the characters, but also the audience. I was surprised how magnetic his performance was, despite having so much make-up and prosthetics to work through. Although I have seen Oldman in lots of other films, I had to constantly remind myself that I was watching him on screen, not a completely different actor! He’s likeable yet formidable, kind but severe, determined yet conflicted. Well done Gary, you absolutely deserved your Oscar!

The rest of the cast are excellent, every actor brought something different to “Darkest Hour.” Whilst Gary Oldman is the definite highlight, the other actors had fantastic chemistry with him and all left a lasting impression on the film.

The production design in “Darkest Hour” is exceptional. The cinematography is atmospheric and eerie, the costumes brilliant and the sets spectacular.

The script here is top-notch, even though “Darkest Hour” could be considered a slow narrative by many viewers; I couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen!

The depiction of Churchill, the King and the ordinary members of the public was incredibly inspiring and touching. Witnessing how tough and desperate their situation became really makes you realise what a miracle the Allies' eventual victory was; the every-day heroes' courage to fight for their freedom offers a stark contrast to the heroism of soldiers in the conflicts of WWII. As cheesy as it sounds, “Darkest Hour” made me feel proud to be British!

My absolute favourite moment in “Darkest Hour” was when Winston Churchill gave his rousing “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech; this scene was deeply emotional and made me want cheer!

In conclusion, “Darkest Hour” is a compelling and masterfully-made picture that features a stellar performance by one of our nation’s greatest actors in the role of one of our nation’s most inspirational figures! I thoroughly recommend it!