Simply, Sir Gary Oldman, hardly even recognizable, illuminates Darkest Hour with spirit and a gurgly oration. And, as the external intensity is ramping with every passing minute, we are buttered with the kindness, indulgence and humor of the incomparable leader. It’s fairly surprising.

Churchill (Oldman), trumpeted by the public, was unpopular in politics, humorously unwelcome by royalty but unanimously lauded for military intelligence; a trait surely on display from the moment he took office. Oldman, our genius vocal chameleon, ideally articulates the necessary insubordination as Churchill’s defiant speeches invite us to the House of Commons with the transporting feeling of precision reenactment.

The contrariety of the two Churchill’s portrayed gives the film its character. We have read the inspirational quotes but Clemmie (Thomas) awakens the mellowness and compassion in the family man. Pardoning some of his messy qualities, she displays unconditional love and composes him and, in turn, stabilizes the picture. And who can forget the comedy between a naive Churchill and his secretary, Elisabeth (James).

While the London Underground scene seemed fantastically staged it didn’t devolve the film altogether as we still appreciated the public engagement. Churchill never gave up as Darkest Hour surrenders 3.98 napkins out of 5.