Review of Darkest Hour (2017) by Charlotte N — 29 Jan 2018

This is a character portrait type of movie set over a very short (though significant) period in 1940. Gary Oldman's performance is amazing, but I did leave the cinema feeling that his characterisation was perhaps the only defining feature of the movie.

Otherwise, it's part insight into Churchill's marriage, a nod here to a secretary, a sprinkling there to the politics, a dab of war tragedy and meaningless waste of life. I think it's significant in understanding how close Britain came to seeking peace with Hitler, and how dire the circumstances were (and how the US refused to help).

A different path through history feels very close during this film. Perhaps those reflections are its lasting legacy, along with difficult questions about what makes a great leader.