Darkest Hour

REVIEW:

With Remembrance Day next week at the point of writing this review, I wanted to review a war movie, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about Darkest Hour, specifically from my dad, who is a veteran. He recommended I watch this, and I’m so glad he did. This film doesn’t just depict a chapter of British history; it captures a defining moment of courage, leadership, and perseverance. What more can I say other than there’s a reason Gary Oldman won the Oscar for Best Actor. His performance alone makes Darkest Hour a must-watch, but the film as a whole is a triumph in every sense.

The movie opens with grainy black-and-white footage of British soldiers, turrets, and tanks on the battlefield, instantly creating a looming sense of dread and realism. Those opening moments are haunting and set the tone for what’s to come. We’re then taken into Parliament as the call for Neville Chamberlain to step down as Prime Minister begins to echo through the corridors of power. The anticipation to see Churchill in these early moments builds tension brilliantly, it’s like waiting for a storm to make landfall.

And then there he is. Gary Oldman’s transformation into Winston Churchill is nothing short of astonishing. His voice, his mannerisms, his physicality, he is Churchill. Oldman disappears completely into the role; you never once feel like you’re watching an actor in makeup. Speaking of which, the makeup work is nothing short of masterful and rightly earned its own Oscar. Together, the performance and the artistry behind it make this one of the finest portrayals of a historical figure in recent cinema.

The movie does an excellent job showing just how distrusted Churchill was in his early days as Prime Minister. His colleagues doubted him, his cabinet tried to control him, and even the King had little faith in his abilities. The tension in these relationships gives the story a constant undercurrent of unease. Every decision feels monumental, and every word he utters carries the weight of an entire nation’s future. This isn’t just a war movie, it’s a study of leadership under fire.

Visually, Darkest Hour is a masterpiece. The production design captures 1940s London with rich authenticity, and the costumes look incredible. The film has this golden, smoky tone that feels both intimate and epic at the same time. There’s a real sense of being in those dimly lit war rooms, where history was being shaped one cigarette puff at a time. While some war dramas risk feeling slow or dull if you’re not invested in the characters, that’s not the case here. There are no action scenes, no battlefield heroics, yet the story is utterly gripping from start to finish.

If you enjoyed Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, this film will fascinate you. It’s the perfect companion piece, showing the political and strategic backdrop behind the operation to rescue British soldiers from the beaches. Watching Darkest Hour and Dunkirk back to back gives you the full picture, from the chaos on the front lines to the tense decision-making that made that miracle possible. Both films celebrate resilience, bravery, and unity in their own ways, and together they make an unforgettable experience.

At its core, Darkest Hour is a story about standing tall against impossible odds. It’s about triumph and conviction, and the sheer determination it took to steer Britain through its darkest days. I can’t speak to how historically accurate every detail is, but the point of this film isn’t just to educate, it’s to inspire. It shows Churchill’s ferocity, stubbornness, and brilliance all at once. My one and only gripe is that the score can sometimes overpower the dialogue. Churchill’s natural mumbling combined with the swelling orchestral music made a few lines hard to catch, which was a shame given how strong the writing is.

My favourite scene comes when Churchill rides the London Underground to Westminster, speaking directly with the British people. It’s a beautifully human moment, a man of power genuinely listening to those he represents. I had a smile on my face throughout, and goosebumps during his final speech: “We will never surrender.” It’s one of those moments that make you sit up, feel proud, and remember why this story, and the man behind it, still matter so deeply today. Darkest Hour is not just a film about history; it’s a film about courage in the face of fear, and it deserves every bit of praise it gets.