"Darkest Hour" Movie Review
2017 was the year of Dunkirk. Their Finest depicted a movie producers attempt to use the event to boost war moral. Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk expertly put audiences in the middle of the conflict with suspenseful flare. Now, Gary Oldman dons the role of Winston Churchill as Darkest Hour demonstrates the politics behind Dunkirk, Britain, and WWII.
Because the political point of view of Darkest Hour, this isn't a film where audiences can expect a lot of action. It's a political drama, centered on Churchill's rise as a prominent yet headstrong leader in a very desperate time for Europe. Therefore, audiences should be ready for plenty of dialog on politics.
If the story is too dry for some, this darkest hour does have a ray of light, and that is Gary Oldman in the role of Churchill. Audiences might be familiar with Oldman in iconic blockbuster roles, but here, he is almost unrecognizable. With a different body, believable stammer, and resounding conviction in his big speeches, Oldman's performance commands this film.
Like the cigar Churchill regularly toted on, Darkest Hour, is a slow burn, requiring patience and attention. But in the end, Darkest Hour lands on the side of victory.
Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 1 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference - 2