'Perfect' British WW2 film now streaming for UK viewers

Fans of excellent British war movies are in for a treat as one of the best of the genre has been added to Netflix UK. The streaming service added a number of new titles over the last few days, with one being a top-rated British WW2 movie starring one of the country's most legendary actors. The film, which was originally released in 2017, was added to Netflix on July 16 and is set to delight viewers who are yet to discover it.

Darkest Hour stars Gary Oldman as Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who leads the country through the Second World War. The movie charts Churchill's struggles and triumphs in the monumental war, ultimately having to decide if he will sign a peace treaty with Germany's Adolf Hitler or continue to fight the war. The film has been praised for its portrayal of historical events and this British leader, who was in power during one of the most significant times in the story of Britain. The story takes place over the month of May 1940, when Churchill must make the most important decisions of his career as the fate of Britain hangs in the balance.

Darkest Hour was met with positive reviews when it was first released in 2017. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 84 per cent, with an Audience Score of 82 per cent.

One fan of the film wrote: "Inspiring, beautiful, super good acting of everyone not only Gary Oldman, after 2 hours I wanted another 2 hours."

Another said: "The acting is phenomenal, the pacing is perfect. A riveting true story, expertly told."

A third shared: "Gary Oldman gives a powerhouse performance as Sir Winston Churchill, winning the Oscar for Lead Actor. Really good film from beginning to end."

As well as Gary Oldman in the leading role, Darkest Hour stars Lily James as Elizabeth Layton, Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill and Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI.

When it comes to the reviews from critics, they largely mirror those of casual viewers. One critic shared: "It's a film that delivers you everything you'd expect from it, handsomely produced, confidently crafted and risk-free."

Meanwhile, a second wrote: "It is a chamber biopic, in which we witness the bureaucratic decisions of a Winston Churchill who has been masterfully played by Gary Goldman, who, without a doubt, offers one of the most memorable performances of his career."

Darkest Hour is among the numerous new titles added to Netflix on July 16. Subscribers have also been treated to the gripping true-crime series Amy Bradley is Missing and 2014's Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.