{"id":1381,"date":"2018-02-01T17:31:46","date_gmt":"2018-02-01T16:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-the-darkest-hour\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T13:36:30","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T11:36:30","slug":"review-the-darkest-hour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-the-darkest-hour\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: The Darkest Hour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gary Oldman<\/strong> first gained my attention in Luc Besson’s Leon<\/strong>. His compelling performance in that film immediately placed him on my radar. He has remained a prominent figure ever since, portraying a diverse range of characters from Police Commissioner Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman films<\/strong> to the unsettling Mason Verger in Hannibal<\/strong>. Oldman consistently delivers strong performances, even when the surrounding film may be less successful. His range is both broad and remarkable. In The Darkest Hour<\/strong>, he elevates his craft to a new level.<\/p>\n Churchill and Elizabeth\n

World War II is underway, and France is on the brink of collapse. British forces are besieged at Dunkirk, and the future appears bleak. Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup)<\/strong> is compelled to resign as Prime Minister of Great Britain, his leadership deemed too weak to navigate the crisis. Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman)<\/strong>, a controversial figure, assumes the position, much to the dismay of King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn)<\/strong>. The decision to appoint Churchill is a gamble, but history affirms its wisdom.<\/p>\n

Director Joe Wright<\/strong>, whose previous works include Pride and Prejudice<\/strong> and numerous adaptations of the Peter Pan<\/strong> story, demonstrates a keen visual sense, effectively recreating the atmosphere of 1940s London. The performances are well-balanced, and Wright skillfully integrates humor into the narrative. While humor can sometimes feel forced in historical dramas, here it is subtle, adding a layer of humanity and warmth that resonates effectively.<\/p>\n Gary Oldman is brilliant!\n

Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Churchill is exceptional. His voice, expressions, and even physical appearance are remarkably accurate. The makeup is particularly noteworthy; if the chin is prosthetic, it is an outstanding achievement in special effects. The Darkest Hour’s<\/em> success hinges on the casting of Churchill, and while many talented actors have taken on the role (including John Lithgow’s<\/strong> masterful depiction in The Crown<\/strong>), Gary Oldman delivers a definitive performance, showcasing both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Winston Churchill.<\/p>\n

Kristin Scott Thomas<\/strong> portrays Winston’s wife, Clemmie<\/strong>. Her interactions with Gary Oldman are captivating, revealing a beautiful and enduring relationship. It is evident that Churchill relied heavily on Clemmie’s support and influence. Scott Thomas imbues the character with warmth and intelligence.<\/p>\n Clemmie really loved her gruff husband.\n

Lily James<\/strong> plays Elizabeth Layton<\/strong>, Churchill’s personal secretary. However, it’s worth noting that the real Elizabeth Layton was not involved in the depicted events, as she was employed a year later. Lily James gained prominence in Cinderella<\/strong><\/a> (2015) and has since enjoyed a successful career, including a role in the Mamma Mia<\/strong> sequel as a young Donna (played by Meryl Streep<\/strong> in the original). James is a talented actress, and her scenes with Oldman are particularly compelling, conveying respect and admiration for Churchill without resorting to sentimentality.<\/p>\n

The Darkest Hour<\/em> features a strong ensemble cast. Ben Mendelsohn deserves particular recognition for his portrayal of King George, delivering the best performance since Colin Firth<\/strong> in The King’s Speech<\/strong>. Mendelsohn also manages to inject a degree of humor into his interpretation, successfully navigating the delicate balance required for historical films.<\/p>\n The film’s best scene, which unfortunately probably never took place in reality.\n

It has been observed that the cumulative volume of films, games, books, and other fictional works about World War II exceeds the actual duration of the war itself. Consequently, it is always rewarding to encounter a film that offers a fresh perspective. While the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy, such as Churchill’s subway ride (featured in the film’s most memorable scene), it maintains a strong sense of authenticity. It has been some time since I’ve encountered such a well-crafted film, boasting excellence in script, direction, and acting performances. Highly recommended.<\/p>\n