In a storied career where he was famed for playing villains, Gary Oldman’s portrayal of a historical figure was the project that earned him an Academy Award. In even better news, that film, Darkest Hour, is now streaming in the UK.
The period drama, from director Joe Wright and screenwriter Anthony McCarten, sees the acclaimed actor portray Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.
The movie takes place in the early part of his tenure, with the figure having to deal with the rising threat of Nazi Germany as well as a crisis in his own cabinet. Facing opposition from all angles, Churchill has to batten down the hatches.
Upon its theatrical release across late 2017 and early 2018, the war drama garnered acclaim for its performances, and had plenty of awards success too. So, here’s everything you need to know about Darkest Hour.
Who is in Darkest Hour?
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• Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill
• Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill
• Lily James as Elizabeth Layton
• Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI
• Stephen Dillane as Viscount Halifax
• Ronald Pickup as Neville Chamberlain
What did the critics say about Darkest Hour?
Universal
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an impressive approval rating of 84% from 310 reviews. In the site’s critical consensus, Oldman’s “electrifying performance” was said to hold Darkest Hour together amid some “narrative falters”.
“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,” opined Empire Magazine.
The Toronto Star noted:”Oldman brings a wicked wit and compassionate heart to the role, one for which he seems almost superhumanly suited for – and that’s really saying something, consider how many great actors have played Churchill.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote: “Churchill, by way of Darkest Hour, hands the actor some of the best speeches of his career, and Oldman brings them vividly to life.” The Arizona Republic called Oldman’s performance “terrific”.
Furthermore, Oldman won the award for Best Actor at the Oscars, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards, while Darkest Hour also garnered a nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars and BAFTAs.
Where can I stream Darkest Hour?
Focus Features
The period drama is currently available to stream in the UK on BBC iPlayer, with the film having aired on BBC Two over the weekend. You’ll have to hurry, however, as the listing is set to expire on 15 June.
If you don’t view it on BBC iPlayer in time, then you have a backup option, as Darkest Hour is currently on Prime Video too. If you’d rather not have a subscription, then it is £3.49 to rent on that platform.
Other Gary Oldman movies you can stream right now
Universal
If you have a Prime Video subscription, then you can also watch some of Oldman’s thrillers, including Killers Anonymous and The Courier (not the spy drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch).
If you fancy some superhero action, then ITVX has Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy on offer. Sky Cinema has both Hannibal and True Romance, while Netflix has period drama Mank and mystery thriller The Woman in the Window.
Darkest Hour is streaming on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.