Opened: December 22, 2017

Directed by: Joe Wright

Starring: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Ronald Pickup & Stephen Dillane

Winston Churchill has been created many times in film and television – but his start as Prime Minister is one of his most important moments.

During World War II, England finds Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup) to be unfit for Prime Minister and forces him out. When Churchill (Gary Oldman) takes over, he has to make some tough decisions quickly about sending civilian troops to save Dunkirk and whether or not to give into Hitler.

Oldman is completely unrecognizable in a career-defining role. He’s hard to understand at times and mumbles, fully embracing the spirit of the revered leader.

One of the best parts of the film is when Churchill rides the Underground and gets the opinions of everyday citizens about leaning into Hitler’s wishes. It humanizes the larger than life man.

Final say: Oldman is a force to be reckoned with. ★★★★☆