Focus Features has released a new trailer forAtonementandHannadirectorJoe Wright’s historical dramaDarkest Hour. Scripted byAnthony McCarten(The Theory of Everything), the film stars a totally unrecognizableGary Oldmanas Winston Churchill and begins on the eve of World War II, chronicling Churchill’s difficult push to get England to stand up to Nazi Germany and enter the war rather than negotiate a treaty.
This trailer does a great job of showcasing how Wright’s direction keeps this thing moving, even as the script is mostly a series of conversations and speeches held in small rooms. Wright already showed with films likePride and PrejudiceandAnna Kareninathat he can bring a distinct visual style without detracting from the material at hand, and that’s absolutely what he does here. This thingmoves, and it’s a joy to watch. Moreover, keep an ear out forDario Marianelli’s score—it’s absolutely one of the best of the year.
Check out the newDarkest Hourtrailer below,click hereto read my review from TIFF, andclick herefor my feature on the movie’s Oscar chances. The film also starsKristin Scott Thomas,Lily James,Stephen Dillane,Ronald Pickup, andBen Mendelsohn.The Darkest Houropens in select cities on November 22nd.
Here’s the official synopsis forDarkest Hour:
A thrilling and inspiring true story begins on the eve of World War II as, within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.
