Darkest Hour (2017)

Darkest Hour is a tense, character-driven historical drama set in May 1940, when Britain’s fate in World War II rests on the shoulders of newly appointed Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Faced with the unstoppable advance of Hitler’s forces across Europe, political infighting at home, a doubtful King, and the looming threat of invasion, Churchill must choose between negotiating with Nazi Germany or fighting on at enormous cost. The film follows his first, turbulent days in office as he navigates cabinet battles, public fear, and his own doubts while trying to rally a nation. Watching the movie you’ll experience a tight, suspenseful atmosphere — equal parts political thriller and intimate biopic. The story builds a sense of urgency and moral weight: quiet, fraught meetings and backroom maneuvering alternate with moments of blunt courage and rousing oratory. The film humanizes Churchill, showing both his steely determination and private vulnerability, so viewers feel the scale of his decision and the pressure bearing down on him. Gary Oldman delivers a commanding central performance (supported by Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James and others) that anchors the film, while period production design, costume work and a stirring score deepen the immersion in 1940 London. Overall, Darkest Hour is gripping, emotional and inspirational — a look at leadership under fire that will leave viewers moved by the personal cost of big historical choices and uplifted by moments of resolve and national defiance.

Actors: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas

Director: Joe Wright

Runtime: 125 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, War

6.7 /10 75 /100 7.4 /10 7.2 /10