Best Picture Nominees - Darkest Hour

On Sunday, March 4 we'll learn which one of nine films nominated for Best Picture will claim the top prize. Between now and then, I'll be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees, continuing today with "Darkest Hour."

Darkest Hour
Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Dillane, and Ben Mendelsohn
Director: Joe Wright
Total Nominations: 6
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Actor (Oldman), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Hair and Makeup
About: Among the nine films nominated for Best Picture are two World War II films that both center on the battle at Dunkirk. I'll be looking at both films over the next two days as part of these previews for the Academy Awards. "Darkest Hour," from director Joe Wright, is a portrait of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Oldman) during his first few days of his time in office, including the turbulent early days of World War II when the British soldiers were pinned down at Dunkirk in France. Churchill faced plenty of opposition, including from within his own party, and nearly had his time as Prime Minister end right before it started. Instead, his resolve, and partnership with King George (Mendelsohn), proved to be just what a nation needed to endure its darkest hour. I love Wright as a filmmaker. His work on "Atonement," "Pride and Prejudice," and "The Soloist" created beautiful, emotionally resonant stories. He also has a knack for creating interesting characters. And that's what you get in "Darkest Hour," which I found inspirational at times. That is largely thanks to Oldman, who gives a very different and great performance at Churchill, one that has him among the favorites for this year's top acting prize. There is some question of whether Oldman's past behavior and negative interactions with women will hold him back in this new #METOO environment, but he's won a lot of the awards leading up to this point. I think Oldman's category is also the film's best shot at an award, or rather second best. Given the three-film group in the Best Makeup and Hairstyle category, it should get a win there I would think. But it feels like a long-shot in its other three technical categories, and it would be a major surprise and upset if it won Best Picture. Still, it's a fine and engaging film, and one that tells an interesting story that has resonated with many audiences.
Rating:  PG-13 for some thematic material.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.
Where to See It: "Darkest Hour" is still playing nationwide.