Darkest Hour Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Joe Wright
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, War
Release year: 2017
Runtime (length): 2h 5min
IMDb rating: 7.4/10 (229K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

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😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy old man yells a lot and smokes cigars while everyone debates whether or not to just give Hitler England, until he takes the subway and suddenly everyone’s ready to fight!

🍿 Darkest Hour: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Nation on the Brink

May 1940. Nazi Germany’s forces are sweeping across Europe, and Britain stands isolated. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain faces a vote of no confidence due to his perceived weakness in dealing with Hitler. His own party seeks a replacement, and the opposition refuses to support anyone but Winston Churchill.

Appointment of Churchill

Reluctantly, King George VI, who harbors distrust for Churchill, invites him to form a government. Churchill, a controversial figure with a history of political missteps, now faces the monumental task of leading Britain during its darkest hour. He appoints Chamberlain and Lord Halifax to his war cabinet to keep his enemies close.

The Dilemma of Negotiation

As the British Expeditionary Force is trapped in Dunkirk, France, Churchill faces immense pressure from Halifax and Chamberlain to negotiate a peace treaty with Hitler through Mussolini. They believe it’s the only way to avoid complete annihilation. Churchill staunchly resists, believing that negotiating with Hitler is impossible.

Dunkirk and Defiance

With the situation in Dunkirk growing dire, Churchill authorizes a daring civilian-led rescue operation, Operation Dynamo. Meanwhile, he grapples with his cabinet’s insistence on negotiation and his own conviction that Britain must stand firm against Nazi tyranny. He sends troops to Calais to buy time for the evacuation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

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Churchill’s Resolve and Triumph

Faced with losing the support of his War Cabinet, Churchill initially wavers, even considering allowing Halifax to explore peace talks. However, a visit from King George VI, and a symbolic impromptu encounter with ordinary Londoners on the Underground, steels his resolve. He realizes the people of Britain want to fight.

The “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” Speech

Churchill delivers a powerful speech to Parliament, rejecting any possibility of negotiation and declaring that Britain will fight on, even if it means fighting on the beaches. This speech rallies the nation and effectively silences the opposition within his own party. Operation Dynamo successfully evacuates over 300,000 Allied soldiers from Dunkirk, a miracle that further strengthens Churchill’s position.

Aftermath and Significance

The film concludes with a brief epilogue, noting that Chamberlain died six months later, Halifax was sent as ambassador to the United States, and Churchill led Britain to victory in 1945. “Darkest Hour” showcases the crucial period when Churchill’s leadership prevented Britain from succumbing to Nazi Germany, altering the course of world history. It underscores the importance of resolve, conviction, and the power of words in the face of overwhelming adversity.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman): The newly appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight for the nation’s ideals.
Elizabeth Layton (Lily James): Churchill’s initially intimidated secretary who becomes a trusted aide and confidante.
Clemmie (Kristin Scott Thomas): Churchill’s supportive wife who provides him with counsel and strength during his political struggles.
King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn): The initially skeptical King who reluctantly supports Churchill’s leadership during the war.
Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup): The former Prime Minister who, despite being ousted, remains a key political figure advocating for peace negotiations.
Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane): A member of the War Cabinet who strongly pushes for negotiating peace with Hitler, posing a challenge to Churchill’s resolve.

💬 Memorable Quotes

Winston Churchill: “You cannot reason with a tiger, when your head is in its mouth!” – Churchill uses this analogy to argue against negotiating with Hitler.
Winston Churchill: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” – The climactic words of Churchill’s speech to Parliament, rallying the nation against surrender.
Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Churchill shares this quote with his secretary as he faces immense pressure.

💰Box Office

Budget: $30,000,000
Domestic Gross: $56,468,410
Worldwide Gross: $150,847,274

💥 Darkest Hour Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchill. The way he captured Churchill’s mannerisms, voice, and spirit was incredible. The movie transported me back to 1940. I felt the tension and uncertainty of the time and how much Churchill was able to rally England together. The scene where Churchill asks average citizens what they thought made me cry. It’s a must-see for any history buff or anyone who wants to be inspired by leadership and courage.

Who would enjoy:
- “History buffs”
- “Fans of Gary Oldman”
- “Viewers interested in World War II narratives”
- “Those who appreciate political dramas”
- “Anyone who enjoys inspirational stories of leadership”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mature themes related to war”
- “Some thematic elements of political tension”
- “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

The Guardian: “Gary Oldman delivers a transformative performance as Churchill, capturing the spirit of a nation facing its darkest hour. While the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy, it succeeds in portraying the immense pressure and crucial decisions made during those pivotal weeks in May 1940.
Rolling Stone: “Oldman is phenomenal; he embodies Churchill. “Darkest Hour” is a powerful and engrossing historical drama. Joe Wright skillfully directs and the movie offers a stirring account of leadership, courage, and resilience. While perhaps overly reverential at times, it delivers an emotionally impactful cinematic experience.
Empire: “Darkest Hour is a riveting and well-crafted historical drama. Anchored by Gary Oldman’s exceptional performance, this film delivers a compelling narrative with solid direction and pacing. The performances from the supporting cast help add even more depth to an already detailed and nuanced script. Although it has a few flaws, it is still a great film that is worth watching.

Audience Reactions

Gary Oldman’s performance is a tour de force.: Viewers agree that Oldman’s transformation into Churchill is remarkable and Oscar-worthy.

The film vividly captures the tension and uncertainty of the time.: Many viewers praise the movie’s ability to immerse them in the historical setting and emotional atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: A compelling historical drama anchored by Gary Oldman’s transformative performance, though it occasionally sacrifices historical accuracy for dramatic effect.

Awards

Academy Award (Best Actor)- 2018
Academy Award (Best Makeup and Hairstyling)- 2018
Golden Globe (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 2018
BAFTA Award (Best Actor in a Leading Role)- 2018
BAFTA Award (Best Makeup and Hair)- 2018

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“Gary Oldman spent a year studying Sir Winston Churchill and his mannerisms before starting on this movie.”
“The filmmakers meticulously recreated the Cabinet War Rooms, the underground complex from which Churchill directed the war effort.”

🖥️ How to Watch Darkest Hour?

Darkest Hour is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for possible television airings. Some platforms may offer a free trial for new subscribers. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also available for purchase from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Darkest Hour, you might like these similar films:

The King’s Speech (2010): Both films explore the challenges faced by British leaders during times of crisis, with a focus on overcoming personal obstacles to fulfill their duty.
Dunkirk (2017): Offers a complementary perspective on the Dunkirk evacuation, focusing on the soldiers’ experiences on the ground, while Darkest Hour shows the political decisions behind it.
The Imitation Game (2014): Another historical drama set during World War II, focusing on Alan Turing and the codebreakers at Bletchley Park, highlighting different aspects of the British war effort.
Young Winston (1972): A biographical movie that depicts the early life and career of Winston Churchill, based on his book My Early Life.

🛒 Darkest Hour Related Products

Darkest Hour [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray. Experience the stunning visuals and sound in high definition, with special features.
The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History: A compelling biography delving into the leadership of Winston Churchill during WWII.
Winston Churchill: Walking with Destiny: A PBS documentary that reveals the man behind the iconic figure.
Darkest Hour Movie Poster: A framed poster of the iconic movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Darkest Hour features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Is Darkest Hour based on a true story?

Yes, Darkest Hour is based on the true events of May 1940, focusing on Winston Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister and his struggle against pressure to negotiate with Nazi Germany. While the film takes some creative liberties for dramatic effect, it generally adheres to historical records.

Did Churchill really ride the Underground to gauge public opinion?

The scene where Churchill rides the London Underground and speaks to ordinary citizens is largely fictionalized. While Churchill was known to engage with the public, there’s no historical evidence to support this specific event. It’s used in the film to symbolize Churchill’s connection to the British people.

What was Operation Dynamo?

Operation Dynamo was the code name for the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk, France, between May 26 and June 4, 1940. Hundreds of civilian boats aided the Royal Navy in rescuing over 338,000 soldiers from the advancing German forces. It was a pivotal event in the early stages of World War II.

Where can I watch Darkest Hour?

Darkest Hour is available to stream on various platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. You can also rent or buy the movie digitally. Check your local listings for TV broadcasts or purchase a physical copy (DVD/Blu-ray).

🔥 Bonus Content

Gary Oldman wins Best Actor

Witness the electrifying moment when Gary Oldman’s exceptional performance in ‘Darkest Hour’ earned him the prestigious Oscar for Best Actor.

Dunkirk Darkest Hour Fan Edit

Immerse yourself in a unique cinematic experience with this imaginative fan edit that blends ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Darkest Hour’ into a cohesive storytelling journey.

‘Darkest Hour’: Based on a True Story

Delve into the fascinating historical background of ‘Darkest Hour’ and discover how cinematic storytelling intertwines with real-life events.

What Gary Oldman Learned from Christopher Nolan

Get inspired by Gary Oldman’s journey as he shares valuable acting lessons and experiences that shaped his acclaimed performance in ‘Darkest Hour’.

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