Darkest Hour (2017) Parent Guide

They say, “Hindsight is 20/20” – so today it seems obvious that Sir Winston Churchill was the right man, serving in the right time and place, to rally his countrymen in the right cause. However, in May 1940, things didn’t appear that clear. The vision of what Herr Hitler was willing to do to achieve world domination was still unknown. And the British parliament was divided between two points of view: fight a costly, likely losing war against the Germans, or to attempt to negotiate peace.

On the ninth day of that fateful month, an angry opposition party called for the resignation of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain (played by Ronald Pickup), believing the pacifist was the wrong leader for a country at war. (England had entered the fight on 3rd September 1939). Chamberlain’s own party thought his successor should be the similarly-minded Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane), however they all knew if they wanted to stay in power, the only person on their side of the floor who would be likely to form and lead a coalition between the divided government was the ornery warmonger, Winston Churchill (played by an unrecognizable Gary Oldman).

The cigar-smoking, alcohol-guzzling politician is not the first choice of King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) either. Yet, with Nazi forces sweeping across Europe and threatening to invade England too, the King offers Churchill the position of Prime Minister on May 10. That same day German forces enter France and with surprising swiftness surround the French and British ground forces trying to protect the country.

Churchill has always had political ambition, but his pride has little to relish in the enormous task he’s been given at such a desperate time. (He even humorously suggests he’s been handed the job, not as a promotion, but as revenge on the part of his less than friendly colleagues.) With the intention of keeping the faith of the people bright, he broadcasts a speech that presents a rosier picture of the army’s strength than is true of their precarious situation. Meanwhile he scrambles to find some way of winning the war. His optimism for victory quickly falls under attack from friends, foes, foreigners and a war room full of commanders who believe their chances are doomed.

We know from history that this man’s words, delivered on June 4, 1940, will go on to inspire a nation to “fight on beaches… on the landing grounds” and to “never surrender”. His determination helped steel the spines of his countrymen as they endured until the victory was won. Yet it is gripping to watch his personal struggle, and sobering to see him make decisions that will be paid for by the lives of his countrymen. The film’s strong script is enhanced by amazing performances that take the viewer into the backrooms and private conversations of this iconic (and eccentric) world leader. Kristin Scott Thomas depicts the steadying hand of Churchill’s wife Clementine. And a fictional secretary (played by Lily James) provides the perspective of the ordinary citizen trying to do her part for the war effort.

Most of the conflict portrayed here occurs in parliamentary debates, domestic disagreements, and between arguing officials. There are only brief images of wounded and injured soldiers, and the implication of battles and bombs causing death. Profanities (and a crude hand gesture) are minimal as well, although smoking and drinking are excessive even for the time-period being portrayed.

Thanks to these few content issues, the film is appropriate for older children and teens to view. It also provides a great opportunity to share this moment in history with them, and prevent some of the shortsightedness that has cause mankind to learn many lessons the hard way.

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Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.