Award-winning drama set for BBC One broadcast
The 2017 British war drama Darkest Hour, starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, is set to air on BBC One this Sunday at 8pm. The film, directed by Joe Wright with a screenplay by Anthony McCarten, has been described by audiences as "one of the greatest war films of all time" and a "masterpiece," according to multiple reports.
Darkest Hour chronicles Churchill's life and his tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War, focusing on the May 1940 war cabinet crisis. The film's official synopsis states: "The fate of Western Europe hangs on Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II. The newly appointed British prime minister must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds. During the next four weeks in 1940, Churchill cements his legacy as his courageous decisions and leadership help change the course of world history."
Oldman's transformative performance
Gary Oldman's portrayal of Churchill has been widely celebrated, with the actor rendered virtually unrecognisable through extensive makeup and delicate prosthetics. In an interview quoted by several outlets, Oldman described the process: "It took three hours, 15 minutes... 48 days consecutively... did not see me as Gary for three months." The transformation reportedly took just under four hours including costume, with Oldman stating that his colleagues did not see him as himself for the entire three-month shoot.
The film's cast also includes Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup, and Ben Mendelsohn, who together form what one report described as "an exceptional supporting" ensemble.
Critical acclaim and awards
According to a report in the Daily Express, Darkest Hour won two Academy Awards, with Oldman taking the Best Actor prize at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the Oscars. The same report noted that the title refers to how Churchill described the earliest days of World War 2, when the Nazis had the upper hand after conquering much of Europe.
The Express also reported that Oldman has previously teased a potential sequel set at the Yalta Conference with FDR and Stalin.
How to watch
The film will be broadcast on BBC One at 8pm this Sunday evening and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer for a limited time afterwards, as reported by the Daily Express. The Manchester Evening News also noted that the film is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.