Prime Video has just added a heavyweight to its streaming library: Darkest Hour, the 2017 historical drama that finally earned Gary Oldman his first Academy Award for Best Actor. The film, directed by Joe Wright, offers a gripping, behind-closed-doors look at the early days of Winston Churchill's premiership, as Britain teetered on the brink of invasion during World War II.
For fans of Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, this is the perfect companion piece. While Nolan's epic dropped audiences onto the beaches for a visceral, frontline experience, Darkest Hour stays within the dimly lit corridors of power, where Churchill's every decision could alter the fate of the free world. Released in the same year, the two films together paint a fuller picture of that desperate spring of 1940.
Oldman's transformation into the iconic British leader is nothing short of remarkable. The actor, who had previously been nominated for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and later for Mank, disappears into the role, capturing Churchill's bulldog tenacity, his wit, and his moments of doubt. The performance is the film's undeniable centerpiece, and it's no surprise that it swept awards season.
Joining Oldman are a stellar supporting cast, including Lily James as Churchill's secretary, Kristin Scott Thomas as his wife Clementine, and Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI. Their performances add depth and humanity to a story that could easily have been a one-man show.
Critically, Darkest Hour holds a “Certified Fresh” 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising Oldman's “electrifying performance” even when the narrative stumbles. Commercially, it was a hit too, grossing $150 million worldwide against a modest $30 million budget. However, the film wasn't without its detractors, with some historians and critics pointing to its somewhat romanticized portrayal of Churchill, glossing over some of his more controversial views and actions.
For those who've been following Oldman's recent career, this is a fascinating look back at the role that cemented his legacy. He's since spent the last four years as the grumpy but brilliant Jackson Lamb in Apple TV's Slow Horses, a series that recently wrapped its sixth season with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show has become a platform-defining hit, and fans of Oldman's dry wit in that series will find plenty to appreciate in his Churchill.
If you're in the mood for a tense, character-driven drama that explores the weight of leadership, Darkest Hour is now available to stream on Prime Video. And while you're there, you might want to check out some other recent additions like Tom Cruise's American Made or Channing Tatum's Blink Twice. For more streaming picks, our guide to Prime Video's best binges has you covered.
So, whether you're a history buff, a fan of Oldman's, or just looking for a compelling watch, Darkest Hour is a must-see. It's a reminder of the power of great acting and the enduring drama of one of history's most pivotal moments.
