Review of Darkest Hour (2017) by Andrewburge — 06 Apr 2018

Joe Wright's 'Darkest Hour' might be the most obvious Oscar bait film of the year, especially when it comes down to Gary Oldman's impeccable and brave performance of the controversial Winston Churchill, but you know what? It worked! This is one of the best films of the year!

'Darkest Hour' sets itself apart from other generic biopics by seeping the mannish personality of its lead character through nearly every single element, especially the soundtrack and the refined and polished cinematography, and mostly through its pace. It is rarely that a film inspired by real life events managed to thrill, as real life is often not very exciting, even from a political stand-off. But the grim situation in which the Allied Forces found themselves during the beginning of the Second World War its definitely made for the screen. The director, Joe Wright, and the screenwriter, Anthony McCarten were well aware of this, as they kept the historical accuracy without sacrificing excitement.

It is definitely a film which manages to thrill more than one which would take place in the actual battlefield. But the tensions between Churchill and his associates in the government is really tense and generates a consistent rhythm of adrenaline pumping. This rhythm is also conveyed by Churchill's nearly unbreakable will, which, thanks in part to Oldman's well deserved Oscar-winning performance, seeps an uplifting, glorious and patriotic tone, amidst the Allies being nearly wiped out!

In an age where world leaders are less and less trusted, 'Darkest Hour' is a proud example of historical leadership and eventual glory achieved by listening to the people (addendum to the scene in which the prime-minister rides the underground metro as a simple man). For him, riding the metro was an experience, as he confessed "I've never been on public transport[...] I know how to boil an egg but only because I've seen it done.".

There have been many portrayals of the bulldog himself in cinema, but never was one so personal and so truthful but respectful at the same time.