Gary Oldman Stands Firm During The ‘Darkest Hour’

“You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!”

These were the words of Sir Winston Churchill. The British Prime Minister was a prevailing voice in raising up the spirits of London during the Second World War. Already a key subject in many motion pictures and TV films (including 2017’s Churchill starring Brian Cox), the esteemed leader will get a second big-screen treatment this year with Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour.

Some may recall the image we posted of Gary Oldman’s promo photo as Winston Churchill. Now we have the official trailer, courtesy of Focus Features.

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 (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.

Joe Wright, who previously did such period dramas as Atonement and Pride & Prejudice, directs from a script written by Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything). Joining Oldman are Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, and Ben Mendelsohn.

Focus Features will release Darkest Hour is select cities beginning November 22, 2017.