The 2017 film Darkest Hour is about the early days of Winston Churchill's premiership during World War II, and the May 1940 war cabinet crisis, depicting his refusal to seek a peace treaty with Nazi Germany amid their advance into Western Europe. The film is directed by Joe Wright and written by Anthony McCarten. Along with Gary Oldman as Churchill, the cast includes Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill, Lily James as Elizabeth Layton, Stephen Dillane as Viscount Halifax, Ronald Pickup as Neville Chamberlain, and Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI.
The film begins with the fall of France to the Nazis in June 1940. The British government is in turmoil, and many people believe that Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain should resign. Churchill is appointed as Chamberlain's successor, but he is not popular with many members of his own party, and he faces a difficult decision: whether to sue for peace with Hitler or fight on against seemingly impossible odds.
Churchill is initially tempted to negotiate a peace treaty with Hitler. He knows that the British military is in a weak position, and he is worried about the possibility of a German invasion. However, he is also aware that Hitler is a ruthless dictator who cannot be trusted. In the end, Churchill decides to fight on, even though he knows that it will be a long and difficult struggle.
Darkest Hour is a powerful and moving film about one of the most important moments in British history. Gary Oldman gives a masterful performance as Churchill, capturing his courage, determination, and humanity. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in World War II or in the life of Winston Churchill.
In addition to its historical accuracy, the film also explores some important themes, such as the importance of leadership in times of crisis, the power of words to inspire, and the need to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Cast
- Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill
- Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI
- Lily James as Elizabeth Layton
- Ronald Pickup as Neville Chamberlain
- Stephen Dillane as Viscount Halifax
- Nicholas Jones as Sir John Simon
- Samuel West as Anthony Eden[a]
- David Schofield as Clement Attlee
- Richard Lumsden as General Ismay
- Malcolm Storry as General Ironside
- Hilton McRae as Arthur Greenwood
- Benjamin Whitrow as Sir Samuel Hoare
- Joe Armstrong as John Evans
- Adrian Rawlins as Air Chief Marshal Dowding
- David Bamber as Admiral Ramsay
- Paul Leonard as Admiral Dudley Pound
- Demetri Goritsas as Cabinet Secretary Bridges
- Olivier Broche as Paul Reynaud
- Brian Pettifer as Kingsley Wood
David Strathairn provides the voice of President Roosevelt, heard on a phone call with Churchill.
Director: Joe Wright
Writers: Anthony McCarten
Box Office Gross: $150,847,207
Distributor: Focus Features
Release Date: Nov 22, 2017
Trailer:
