Latest news with #DarkestHour
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix now streaming World War 2 film 'more captivating than Dunkirk'
Gary Oldman won an Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, with viewers now able to stream the critically-acclaimed biopic on Netflix A fresh arrival on Netflix UK is Darkest Hour, the World War 2 drama wherein Gary Oldman delivers an Oscar-winning portrayal of Winston Churchill. Previously taken off the platform, Netflix users can watch the Oscar-winning picture again as of July 2025. Helmed by Joe Wright, who directed the wartime romance Atonement, the story unfolds during one crucial month where Churchill considers negotiating peace with Hitler or continuing the fight. The wartime drama garnered nominations across the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and beyond. The movie boasts an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus states: "Darkest Hour is held together by Gary Oldman's electrifying performance, which brings Winston Churchill to life even when the movie's narrative falters." Acclaim for Oldman's turn was virtually unanimous, though critics were divided about the merits of the overall film. As The New Yorker put it: "How badly we need another Winston Churchill film is open to question. Nonetheless, Joe Wright's contribution to the genre is welcome, largely because of Gary Oldman in the leading role." "It's an amazing performance: the only star turn I've seen in which a famous actor visible in nearly every scene would be unrecognisable if we didn't know his name already," said The Financial Times. However, Metro praised Wright for bringing his "trademark flashes of visual aplomb" as a director, observing: "[He] captures the peril of Nazi invasion with thrilling immediacy, despite being almost entirely confined to the claustrophobic corridors of power." Reviewers also drew parallels with Dunkirk, with the Radio Times' Damon Wise calling Darkest Hour a "near-perfect companion piece" to that film. Darkest Hour plot summary The World War 2 drama focuses on a brief but pivotal moment in British history. Beginning in May 1940, the story opens as Neville Chamberlain is compelled to step down as prime minister. Churchill, unpopular even with fellow Conservatives, assumes the role of PM whilst Nazi troops push westward. Facing pressure to broker a peace deal with Germany, Churchill confronts a cabinet poised for mutiny. Despite this, Churchill launches Operation Dynamo, also known as the Dunkirk evacuation . The film concludes with Oldman delivering Churchill's iconic 'We shall fight on the beaches' address to the House of Commons that galvanised public support for the conflict. What audiences think of the film Darkest Hour boasts an 82% 'fresh' rating with Rotten Tomatoes vieweres. One person commented: "The film has it's flaws, but Gary Oldman is phenomenal in this." A Google user was moved to write: "Darkest Hour is so well crafted on a whole movie level start to finish and so well acted and again I got teared up a couple times last night after seeing DH again finally and that to me is a movie doing its job being powerful as it is!". The top Letterboxd review, with 800 likes, joked: "I want a cage match with Joe Wright and Tom Hooper [director of The King's Speech]." Drawing comparisons to Dunkirk, another said: "An electric chamber piece that couldn't more perfectly complement 'Dunkirk' if Christopher Nolan wrote it, 'Darkest Hour' is as rousing and ferocious as Winston Churchill was himself.' Meanwhile, over on the MoviePassClub subreddit, a cinema buff admitted: "I definitely enjoyed Darkest Hour more than Dunkirk, as Dunkirk did not make us care about any of its characters, other than wondering what the writers or director thought killing off the youngster in the boat accomplished for their story. Anyhow, a whole lot more context in the Churchill story than in the Dunkirk movie."
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
A-list actress is hardly recognisable as she overhauls look with dramatic dark hair transformation
The 36-year-old kept a low profile as she strolled the streets of London double take A-list actress is hardly recognisable as she overhauls look with dramatic dark hair transformation Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOLLYWOOD screen star looked completely unrecognisable as she stepped out with dramatically different locks. The Mamma Mia 2 star, 36, showed off her darkened raven-coloured hair as she ran errands in London. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 A Hollywood screen star looked unrecognisable as she stepped out with a brand new look Credit: BackGrid 6 Lily James, 36, has re-vamped her hairstyle with a darker shade Credit: BackGrid 6 Lily styled her hair poker straight as she ran errands Credit: BackGrid 6 She has switched things up from her caramel coloured locks Credit: Alamy Lily James left fans doing a double take as she strolled down the street in a leather jacket and blue gym leggings, with a tote bag thrown over her shoulder. The Downton Abbey alum padded around in a pair of Birkenstock sandals and was seen tapping away on her phone, before stuffing something into her jacket pocket. Esher-born Lily kept her head down, intent on running errands in the summer heat. Yet her hair re-vamp commanded most attention, styled poker straight and flowing over her shoulders as opposed to previous glam up-dos. read more lily james STAR SPOTTED Lily James wears polka dot dress as she celebrates birthday in London hotspot She has been sporting caramel coloured locks of late - a stark contrast to the bold hues of her latest look. She gave a nod to her new hair shade with a shiny black manicure. Recently, fans gushed over her "stunning" look as she stripped to a bikini. Back in 2022, Lily again showed off an unrecognisable look after a goth transformation for a major high street campaign. SCREEN QUEEN Lily played Poppy in ITV's Secret Diary of a Call Girl in 2011, and was in the BBC production of Just William as Ethel Brown in 2010. However, she is most well known for playing Lady Rose in Downton Abbey. Lily James, 33, stuns in low-cut green gown at the premiere of latest movie Her character appeared in the last episode of series three in 2012, and became more prominent in the fourth and fifth seasons. Earlier in 2017, she played Debora, love interest of main character Baby, in action film Baby Driver. In early 2018 she was in the Winston Churchill biopic Darkest Hour, where she played Elizabeth Layton. In 2018 she played Young Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. In 2020 she appeared in Netflix's Rebecca. In early 2021 the actress appeared in The Dig, based on the story of an archaeologist who embarks on the historically important excavation of Sutton Hoo in 1938. A year later, she took the lead role in Pam and Tommy. She will soon star in the upcoming - and final - Downton Abbey movie. 6 Lily is best-known for her role in Downton Abbey
South Wales Argus
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
EastEnders actress Laila Morse has famous film star brother
Also known as 'Big Mo', she has been portrayed by actress Laila Morse in the programme, as well as in the spin-offs Slaters in Detention and Pat and Mo. She was introduced in 2000 as the matriarch of the Slater family and appeared for 16 years before departing initially. It wasn't long before she returned, though, as she was reintroduced in 2018 before being written out again in 2021. However, after a stint of a few episodes in 2022, she was permanently brought back in 2024, alongside great-grandson Freddie (played by Bobby Brazier). With Mo having been a presence on EastEnders for so long, many fans might be aware her actress Laila Morse has a very famous film star for a brother. EastEnders actress Laila Morse has a very famous film star brother Laila's younger brother is Gary Oldman, who won the Oscar for Best Actor back in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. The 67-year-old has appeared in many major films over the years, including in The Fifth Element, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, the Harry Potter series and Oppenheimer, among many others. Gary was also recently knighted as part of the King's Birthday Honours. Some might not be aware that Laila's break into acting is in part thanks to Gary, as he cast her in his 1997 film Nil by Mouth. This was Laila's first foray into acting at the age of 51, and Gary's debut as a filmmaker. She featured alongside Ray Winstone, Kathy Burke and Charlie Creed-Miles. Laila's performance as the character of Janet won her the award of 'Most Promising Newcomer in any Category' at the British Independent Film Awards. Another interesting fact is the link between Gary and the stage name 'Laila Morse', as the actress's real name is Maureen Oldman. When Gary was in a relationship with Isabella Rossellini, she suggested to Maureen to use 'Laila Morse' as a stage name. It is an anagram of 'mia sorella', which translates from Italian as 'my sister'. EastEnders fans love that Laila Morse and Gary Oldman are related The unique bit of trivia surrounding Laila and Gary being siblings always provides a lot of interest to EastEnders fans. In a recent post on the EastEnders Reddit page, one person shared images of the two side-by-side saying: "Mo and Gary Oldman being siblings with [sic] never not be funny too me." One person joked in response: "One is the greatest actor of our generation who has inspired millions and is beloved by all. The other is Gary Oldman." Another shared: "I always forget. Then I remember. And it always makes me laugh. I don't know why I find it so funny. But I do." Some people have expressed hope that Gary might make a brief appearance in EastEnders one day due to the link. Recommended reading: One person on the post commented: "Could Gary Oldman be the Squares ultimate villain? (If all his other acting work dries up)". Another replied: "It would be so elite, honestly I would love him to appear just for one episode." A third concurred, writing: "It would be awesome if he turned up on the square as Mo's long lost brother."
North Wales Chronicle
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
EastEnders actress Laila Morse has famous film star brother
Also known as 'Big Mo', she has been portrayed by actress Laila Morse in the programme, as well as in the spin-offs Slaters in Detention and Pat and Mo. She was introduced in 2000 as the matriarch of the Slater family and appeared for 16 years before departing initially. It wasn't long before she returned, though, as she was reintroduced in 2018 before being written out again in 2021. A post shared by EastEnders (@bbceastenders) However, after a stint of a few episodes in 2022, she was permanently brought back in 2024, alongside great-grandson Freddie (played by Bobby Brazier). With Mo having been a presence on EastEnders for so long, many fans might be aware her actress Laila Morse has a very famous film star for a brother. Laila's younger brother is Gary Oldman, who won the Oscar for Best Actor back in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. The 67-year-old has appeared in many major films over the years, including in The Fifth Element, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, the Harry Potter series and Oppenheimer, among many others. Gary was also recently knighted as part of the King's Birthday Honours. Some might not be aware that Laila's break into acting is in part thanks to Gary, as he cast her in his 1997 film Nil by Mouth. This was Laila's first foray into acting at the age of 51, and Gary's debut as a filmmaker. She featured alongside Ray Winstone, Kathy Burke and Charlie Creed-Miles. Laila's performance as the character of Janet won her the award of 'Most Promising Newcomer in any Category' at the British Independent Film Awards. Another interesting fact is the link between Gary and the stage name 'Laila Morse', as the actress's real name is Maureen Oldman. When Gary was in a relationship with Isabella Rossellini, she suggested to Maureen to use 'Laila Morse' as a stage name. It is an anagram of 'mia sorella', which translates from Italian as 'my sister'. The unique bit of trivia surrounding Laila and Gary being siblings always provides a lot of interest to EastEnders fans. In a recent post on the EastEnders Reddit page, one person shared images of the two side-by-side saying: "Mo and Gary Oldman being siblings with [sic] never not be funny too me." One person joked in response: "One is the greatest actor of our generation who has inspired millions and is beloved by all. The other is Gary Oldman." Another shared: "I always forget. Then I remember. And it always makes me laugh. I don't know why I find it so funny. But I do." Some people have expressed hope that Gary might make a brief appearance in EastEnders one day due to the link. Recommended reading: EastEnders' new Vicki Fowler actress has a very famous film star father Emmerdale villain John Sugden's real life partner is EastEnders soap legend EastEnders star part of iconic family to make dramatic return after eight years One person on the post commented: "Could Gary Oldman be the Squares ultimate villain? (If all his other acting work dries up)". Another replied: "It would be so elite, honestly I would love him to appear just for one episode." A third concurred, writing: "It would be awesome if he turned up on the square as Mo's long lost brother."
The Herald Scotland
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
EastEnders actress Laila Morse has famous film star brother
She was introduced in 2000 as the matriarch of the Slater family and appeared for 16 years before departing initially. It wasn't long before she returned, though, as she was reintroduced in 2018 before being written out again in 2021. However, after a stint of a few episodes in 2022, she was permanently brought back in 2024, alongside great-grandson Freddie (played by Bobby Brazier). With Mo having been a presence on EastEnders for so long, many fans might be aware her actress Laila Morse has a very famous film star for a brother. EastEnders actress Laila Morse has a very famous film star brother Laila's younger brother is Gary Oldman, who won the Oscar for Best Actor back in 2018 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. The 67-year-old has appeared in many major films over the years, including in The Fifth Element, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, the Harry Potter series and Oppenheimer, among many others. Gary was also recently knighted as part of the King's Birthday Honours. Some might not be aware that Laila's break into acting is in part thanks to Gary, as he cast her in his 1997 film Nil by Mouth. This was Laila's first foray into acting at the age of 51, and Gary's debut as a filmmaker. She featured alongside Ray Winstone, Kathy Burke and Charlie Creed-Miles. Laila's performance as the character of Janet won her the award of 'Most Promising Newcomer in any Category' at the British Independent Film Awards. Another interesting fact is the link between Gary and the stage name 'Laila Morse', as the actress's real name is Maureen Oldman. When Gary was in a relationship with Isabella Rossellini, she suggested to Maureen to use 'Laila Morse' as a stage name. It is an anagram of 'mia sorella', which translates from Italian as 'my sister'. EastEnders fans love that Laila Morse and Gary Oldman are related The unique bit of trivia surrounding Laila and Gary being siblings always provides a lot of interest to EastEnders fans. In a recent post on the EastEnders Reddit page, one person shared images of the two side-by-side saying: "Mo and Gary Oldman being siblings with [sic] never not be funny too me." One person joked in response: "One is the greatest actor of our generation who has inspired millions and is beloved by all. The other is Gary Oldman." Another shared: "I always forget. Then I remember. And it always makes me laugh. I don't know why I find it so funny. But I do." Some people have expressed hope that Gary might make a brief appearance in EastEnders one day due to the link. Recommended reading: One person on the post commented: "Could Gary Oldman be the Squares ultimate villain? (If all his other acting work dries up)". Another replied: "It would be so elite, honestly I would love him to appear just for one episode." A third concurred, writing: "It would be awesome if he turned up on the square as Mo's long lost brother."
