Gary Oldman plays British politician Winston Churchill in the first trailer for Focus Features’ “Darkest Hour,” which explores Churchill’s attempt to rally a nation while Nazis roll across Western Europe.
The trailer begins with the appointment of Churchill as Prime Minister in 1940. Soon, it becomes clear that Churchill must face one of his most difficult decisions yet: negotiate a peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or fight against them.
As a threat is imminent, Churchill makes a decision that the public, and the King, did not see coming.
“You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!” Churchill tells his advisers.
One of Churchill’s greatest speeches, which served as a great inspiration for the British, is included in the trailer as well.
“We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender,” he says.
Directed by Joe Wright (“Atonement”), the film also stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup, and Ben Mendelsohn. It was written by Anthony McCarten (“The Theory of Everything”).
“Darkest Hour” will be released in select cities on Nov. 22.
Watch the video above.