The ‘superb’ Oscar-winning film is on television tonight (Image: Focus Features)
Those on the hunt for a truly gripping war film to binge watch this weekend needn’t look any further, because we’ve got the perfect recommendation to scratch that itch.
The film has been hailed as a ‘masterpiece’ by viewers, with fans dubbing it ‘one of the greatest war films of all time’ and ‘superb in every aspect’ — and it’s airing on BBC One tonight at 8pm.
Darkest House is being called a ‘must-watch’ by audiences. Directed by Joe Wright with a screenplay penned by Anthony McCarten, the 2017 British war drama follows the life of Winston Churchill and takes a closer look at the time he served as the Prime Minister of the UK during the Second World War and the May 1940 war cabinet crisis.
The war drama’s official plot states: “The fate of Western Europe hangs on Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II. The newly appointed British prime minister must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds. During the next four weeks in 1940, Churchill cements his legacy as his courageous decisions and leadership help change the course of world history.”
While the film has been lauded for its dynamic storylines, thrilling screenplay, and incredible performances by the cast — it’s perhaps Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchil that has made the most noise and grabbed the maximum headlines for this war drama.
The British war drama has been hailed a ‘masterpiece’ by audiences (Image: Focus Features)
Oldman takes on the titular role of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, with the actor being unrecognisable as the UK PM due to the heavy use of makeup and fragile prosthetics — an aspect of the film the makers have been highly lauded for in order to authentically portray the controversial British Prime Minister.
Oldman is joined by Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup, and Ben Mendelsohn to round out a stellar supporting cast.
In an interview with ABC News, Oldman spoke about his transformation for Churchill in the film. Sharing the effort that went behind creating his unrecognisable look, the actor said: “It took three hours, 15 minutes and then getting into the costume and everything, it was just under four hours, 48 days consecutively.
“And then I would be dressed as Winston by the time the director arrived and the other actors for rehearsal. So it was very odd. They did not see me as Gary for three months for the entire shooting because I was always in my makeup.”
Critics have lavished praise on the war drama, with one writing: “It’s an amazing performance: the only star turn I’ve seen in which a famous actor visible in nearly every scene would be unrecognisable if we didn’t know his name already.”
It’s a ‘must watch’ for fans of war films (Image: Focus Features)
Another reviewer said: “From the 4-star lead performance from Oldman to the expert direction from Joe Wright, Darkest Hour is a rousing success.”
While one critic said: “It’s [Gary] Oldman and his masterpiece of a performance that takes the movie to a whole new level.”
Another added: “It may be history, but Darkest Hour doesn’t feel like homework. It’s vibrant, thrilling, and intriguing all at once.”
Audiences are equally captivated, with one viewer writing on Rotten Tomatoes: “Brilliant! Gary Oldman like you have never seen him before, absolutely stunning in his portrayal of Winston Churchill. Very intelligently written and brought to screen.
“Fantastic cinematography creates the perfect ambiance. Technically superb movie with all the basic elements of top class production. Whole cast excels in character. Tense, gripping, suspense filled and gritty. Highly entertaining and captivating”
A cheeky user review posted to IMDB reads: “I heard that Gary Oldman was playing Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour but where was he? I could only see Churchill. Kudos to the makeup artists for giving a replica of Churchill. Oldman truly got into the shoes of Churchill. Direction by Joe Wright is terrific. On the whole, Darkest Hour is a powerful historical drama.”
While another fan of the movie adds: “It gets better each time I view it. Will go down as one of the greatest war films of all time.”
One impressed viewer said: “Academy Award worthy! Someday, there might be a better movie made about Winston Churchill. But, for now, this is the finest effort to date! It is outstanding.
“Gary Oldman should hand’s down win the Academy Award. If not for the credits, one wouldn’t know Churchill was being played by Oldman, and perhaps that’s the greatest indication of how well an actor is portraying a character.”
And one fan of the movie added: “Emotional exciting movie from the start to finish Gary Oldman’s performance was phenomenal. Makes you proud to be British. Would definitely recommend! 10/10”
Darkest Hour will be broadcast on BBC One tonight at 8pm and is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
