Darkest Hour
During World War II, as Adolf Hitler's powerful Wehrmacht rampages across Europe, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Neville Chamberlain, is forced to resign, recommending Winston Churchill as his replacement. But even in his early days as the country's leader, Churchill is under pressure to commence peace negotiations with Hitler or to fight head-on the seemingly invincible Nazi regime, whatever the cost. However difficult and dangerous his decision may be, Churchill has no choice but to shine in the country's darkest hour.
Despite a mid-range budget of $30.0M, Darkest Hour became a financial success, earning $150.8M worldwide—a 403% return.
2 Oscars. 54 wins & 81 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Darkest Hour (2017) exemplifies carefully calibrated narrative architecture, characteristic of Joe Wright's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 5 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.6, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Churchill sits alone in his dark bedroom, an aging politician out of favor, dismissed as a warmonger and political pariah. The image establishes him as isolated, underestimated, and waiting in the shadows.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Churchill is summoned to Buckingham Palace and reluctantly appointed Prime Minister by King George VI, who makes clear his lack of confidence. Churchill inherits a war cabinet determined to negotiate with Hitler and an empire facing annihilation.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 30 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Churchill makes the active choice to authorize Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk, committing fully to his strategy of fighting on rather than seeking terms. This decision puts him on an irreversible collision course with the appeasement faction., moving from reaction to action.
The Collapse moment at 91 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Churchill sits alone in his underground cabinet room, facing total defeat. He prepares to accept negotiated surrender, drafting language for peace talks. His dream of British resistance is dying. The "whiff of death"—Britain's freedom and Churchill's leadership both face extinction., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 99 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Churchill returns to Parliament and delivers the "We shall fight on the beaches" speech to the Outer Cabinet, bypassing Halifax. He explicitly asks for support to continue fighting. The room erupts in unanimous support. Halifax is defeated, Chamberlain comes to Churchill's side, and the course is set for Britain's resistance., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Darkest Hour's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Darkest Hour against these established plot points, we can identify how Joe Wright utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Darkest Hour within the biography genre.
Joe Wright's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Joe Wright films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.8, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Darkest Hour takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Joe Wright filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown. For more Joe Wright analyses, see Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and The Soloist.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Churchill sits alone in his dark bedroom, an aging politician out of favor, dismissed as a warmonger and political pariah. The image establishes him as isolated, underestimated, and waiting in the shadows.
Theme
King George VI expresses doubt about Churchill, stating "I fear he'll be a catastrophe." The theme is stated: true leadership may look like catastrophe to those who prefer comfortable surrender over hard truth.
Worldbuilding
Britain is on the brink of disaster in May 1940. Chamberlain has lost confidence of Parliament, Hitler advances across Europe, and Churchill is the controversial last resort for Prime Minister. His relationships with rivals Halifax and Chamberlain, loyal wife Clementine, and new secretary Elizabeth are established.
Disruption
Churchill is summoned to Buckingham Palace and reluctantly appointed Prime Minister by King George VI, who makes clear his lack of confidence. Churchill inherits a war cabinet determined to negotiate with Hitler and an empire facing annihilation.
Resistance
Churchill struggles to navigate the War Cabinet where Halifax and Chamberlain push for negotiated peace with Mussolini. He resists but faces overwhelming pressure. The Belgian surrender and Dunkirk entrapment intensify the crisis. Clementine and Elizabeth provide support as Churchill debates whether he can lead effectively.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Churchill makes the active choice to authorize Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk, committing fully to his strategy of fighting on rather than seeking terms. This decision puts him on an irreversible collision course with the appeasement faction.
Mirror World
Elizabeth Layton, his new typist, becomes the audience surrogate and thematic mirror. Her growing faith in Churchill despite his difficult nature reflects the journey the British people must take—learning to trust a flawed but resolute leader.
Premise
Churchill fights to maintain his position while orchestrating Dunkirk evacuation. The "promise of the premise"—watching Churchill use rhetoric, cunning, and determination to outmaneuver Halifax and Chamberlain. We see his strategic brilliance and political warfare as small boats head to Dunkirk and he crafts speeches while resisting peace negotiations.
Opposition
Maximum pressure: Halifax formally demands peace negotiations through Italy. The Outer Cabinet supports Halifax. Chamberlain holds the deciding vote. Churchill faces potential forced resignation or vote of no confidence. Even the King suggests considering terms. Churchill is politically isolated as his support crumbles.
Collapse
Churchill sits alone in his underground cabinet room, facing total defeat. He prepares to accept negotiated surrender, drafting language for peace talks. His dream of British resistance is dying. The "whiff of death"—Britain's freedom and Churchill's leadership both face extinction.
Crisis
Churchill's dark night: He walks through Westminster in despair, then impulsively takes the London Underground for the first time. In this descent, he confronts his disconnection from ordinary people. The emotional low before the breakthrough.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Churchill returns to Parliament and delivers the "We shall fight on the beaches" speech to the Outer Cabinet, bypassing Halifax. He explicitly asks for support to continue fighting. The room erupts in unanimous support. Halifax is defeated, Chamberlain comes to Churchill's side, and the course is set for Britain's resistance.