Darkest Hour has light moments

Set in the early years of World War II, Darkest Hour follows the appointment of Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) as the new British Prime Minister following the forced resignation of Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup).

With the fall of Europe to the Nazis seemingly inevitable, and his own war cabinet turning against him, Churchill must somehow find a way to rally the British people to continue the fight.

In a way, the title of the film not only refers to one of the most difficult hours in the West’s history, but also one of the most difficult hours in Winston Churchill’s career.

Scenes throughout the film are laced with such palpable intensity that it’s easy to forget that things are going to work out all right in the end.

What surprised me though was the humour in between these intense moments. Classic, British humour that provided great and much-needed relief between the tense scenes.

Prosthetics and make-up effects are not something I would usually touch on, however, in this film, it is something to be marveled at.

Gary Oldman is almost unrecognisable, practically becoming Churchill. However, this make-up never hinders Oldman’s performance, as he is able to convey a range of emotions: from anger and fear, to passion and eccentricity.

The supporting cast also do a good job, though most of them are overshadowed by Oldman.

Darkest Hour tells an important story from World War II that all takes place in May, 1940.

Churchill’s words still inspire us to this day. Not only is does this film give us an entertaining history lesson, but it also inspires us to persevere and fight on in the face of whatever adversities we face in our own lives.