Review of Darkest Hour (2017) by De 5 — 26 Nov 2017

A powerful revealing slice of history, a signature bravura performance by Gary Oldman as WC, a wonderful and dynamic supporting cast playing their parts with just the right amount of gravity and humor.

Riveting dramatic moments and dialog (Was Gallipoli not enough hisses Halifax (excellent Stephen Dillane) that contrast with a strikingly stark scene of the King (fabulous Ben Mendelsohn) giving WC his support and advice.

It is a look at 3 1/2 weeks of May 1940 leading to the Dunkirk evacuation and it will make you pause and consider just what a terribly grave situation the world was facing with Nazi Germany. What if the U.

K. had capitulated? Yes, heavy history. But this film also resonates with light moments and humor (WC had a playful sense of humor) and emotional quieter personal moments (WC and Clemmie at the kitchen table talking about expenses and their love).

Kristen Scott Thomas simply beautiful as WC's wife. The look, the feel, and the pace of the film all work to bring you inside those fateful few weeks and allow all of us to live those utterly powerful speeches once again through the astonishing performance of Mr Oldman.