Nominated for a string of BAFTAs and fresh from Oldman’s victory at the Golden Globes, Darkest Hour is set to impact British cinemas tomorrow.
But whilst Oldman’s performance is set to give it a big marketing boost, how strong is the actual film itself?
According to movie critics, very good: the biopic currently holds an impressive 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus reading: “Darkest Hour is held together by Gary Oldman’s electrifying performance, which brings Winston Churchill to life even when the movie’s narrative falters.”
The Independent said in a four-star write-up: “This isn’t an uncritical celebration of British bulldog spirit but a nuanced portrait of Churchill at a key point early in the war.”
Empire also gave four stars, and reasoned: “Churchill’s darkest hour is Gary Oldman’s finest. Gripping, touching, amusing and enlightening, his performance is the prime reason this film must be seen — but not the only one.”
The Telegraph also gave four, while Stuff.co.nz said: “No disrespect to either John Lithgow or Brian Cox, but this is the Winston Churchill performance from the past year to you need to see.”
Not every review has been positive. In a mixed three-star critique, the Irish Times said: “Taking us from Chamberlain’s resignation to the aftermath of Dunkirk, the film resists no opportunity to indulge in clunking exposition.”
San Diego Reader said: “The film feels much more like happy fantasy than detailed history, a fond look back on the lead-up to a moment of moral righteousness.”
Still, Darkest Hour is set to be a smash in the UK, with added weight from Kristen Scott Thomas and Lily James alongside Oldman.
It faces fellow awards season contender Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri in a box office head-to-head.
Darkest Hour is out on January 12 in the UK.