Darkest Hour (2017)

The Darkest Hour (2017) Working Title Films, Perfect World Pictures

I had very little interest in this movie. From the trailer, it looked like yet another take on Winston Churchill single-handedly saving the British Empire from Hitler & Co. It also looked painfully boring. I'm happy to report it wasn't boring.

Gary Oldman just won the Golden Globe for his portrayal of Churchill, and it was well deserved. He is completely unrecognizable as the outspoken Prime Minister who refused to bow to a Parliament that was plotting against him in an effort to broker a peace agreement with Hitler. Yes, read that back to yourself, they thought Hitler was going to offer them a deal and leave them alone. Crikey.

Oldman channeled Churchill perfectly, from his appearance, to his mannerisms, to his mumbly and barely comprehensible voice. The supporting cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, and Lily James were wonderful. Director Joe Wright excels at the British period piece. Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel's choice to feature so many scenes bathed in light then covered in shadow were brilliant, as it gave the film a distinct look from Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk.

The closing titles were a bit obnoxious. There, I said it. OK, I predict Oldman's going to clean up the rest of the Best Actor awards, and maybe a hair and makeup Oscar. Kristin Scott Thomas was wonderful whenever she was on screen, but I don't think she will be nominated for best supporting actress. It's possible Wright could get a Best Director nom. We shall see, friends. We shall see.