Darkest Hour: Movie Review
"Darkest Hour" is a timely revelation of political leadership, which includes an absolute powerhouse performance by the great Gary Oldman who plays Winston Churchill.Set during the early day horrors of World War 2, the prime minster (Churchill) finds himself struggling to negotiate if Western Europe should fight or stand down to Hitler.
Director Joe Wright (Atonement, The Soloist) has crafted a tremendously invigorating biopic, about the personal struggles of Churchill. At times, Wright falls into the common, dry tropes of what you come to expect from a standard biopic, but its the personal moments between various political figures that truly define the film. From the deaths on Dunkirk, to the villainy of Hitler, the human side often slides through in the most tender of ways.
But it's the amazing Gary Oldman who disappears like a magic act into Churchill, that gives this film a much needed jolt. His performance is absolutely electrifying, a tour de force that will be remembered for ages to come.
Unfortunately, the film has it's fair share of problems, specifically the last twenty minutes that falls into Hollywood trappings. It's a shame, that puts Oldman's brilliant performance under such contrived circumstances.
"Darkest Hour" is a good biopic, held back by formulaic direction. Mostly steered by the unbelievable transformation of Gary Oldman, it's a film worth seeing just for a performance that will be studied for years to come.
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