Gary Oldman is Winston Churchill in first Darkest Hour trailer

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Gary Oldman has graced audiences for years by portraying a wide swath of diverse and complex characters. But more often than not he’s the supporting player (HARRY POTTER, THE DARK KNIGHT trilogy), even though we know full well he can command the screen when given a leading role (DRACULA, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY). With his new movie, DARKEST HOUR, Oldman is playing the role of a lifetime as one of the most iconic political figures of the 20th century – Winston Churchill. We’ve seen pictures of his transformation in the past, but in the first trailer we get a complete sense of just how much he’s become enveloped in the role. Basically, words cannot do it justice. Behold below!

Here is the plot synopsis:

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.

The man is an absolute knockout in the trailer alone, and if the movie really takes off I think the actor could be looking at his second Oscar nomination. Director Joe Wright is a fantastic actor’s director, and though he had a bit of a slip-up with PAN, DARKEST HOUR seems to be taking him back to the period genre that got him acclaim years ago with ATONEMENT and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I love me a great historical biopic, and I definitely love me some Oldman, so this is one I'm already waiting in line for. Seriously, I've got the tent and everything.

DARKEST HOUR arrives November 22.