Ralph Fiennes stars in the World War I-themed film The Choral, which opens this Christmas but fails to fully engage its audience despite its serious subject matter and his compelling presence. The movie attempts to explore life, death, and music through the story of a British choir struggling to carry on amid the backdrop of war, yet it struggles to deliver the emotional depth expected from a drama centered on such weighty themes.
Plot Focuses on a Choir Director and the Impact of War on Music
Directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Alan Bennett, the film centers on Dr. Guthrie (Fiennes), a British choir director tasked with assembling a choir to perform Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius. With many original choir members called away to fight in the war, Guthrie brings in overlooked talent to fill the gaps. His background, including time spent in Germany, causes some local suspicion, adding tension to his efforts.
Supporting Cast and Storylines Receive Minimal Attention
The surrounding cast is given little development, with the film briefly touching on individual backstories before quickly moving on, rarely allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level. This rapid shift between characters undermines the potential richness of the story and leaves the narrative feeling scattered and incomplete.
Missed Opportunities in Exploring Emotional and Thematic Depth
Though Guthrie’s character hints at personal fears and loss, possibly the death of someone close, the film does not fully explore these emotional layers. These moments are fleeting, resulting in a lack of sustained emotional resonance. This omission makes it feel as if important aspects of the story were either removed or underdeveloped, weakening the overall impact.
A Tone That Undermines Its Own Serious Premise
The Choral struggles to find the right balance, often undercutting its serious themes with simple humor, which detracts from the emotional weight the story could wield. The film’s attempt to be a feel-good drama about community cohesion through music ultimately feels too cautious and superficial, missing the opportunity to deliver a more profound or moving experience.
Visual and Narrative Elements Lack Freshness and Depth
Despite Nicholas Hytner’s reputation for thoughtful directing, the visual elements in the film do not provide the necessary depth to complement the story. The shallow script does not allow for a more immersive experience, leaving the film visually and narratively flat.
Final Moments Fail to Salvage the Film‘s Emotional Reach
As the film reaches its conclusion, it attempts to engage the audience more directly with a sincere moment of confrontation with the themes of grief and survival, but this is too little too late. The film maintains an emotional distance throughout, preventing viewers from fully investing in either the story or the characters, and the impact vanishes before it can make a lasting impression.
The Film’s Place in the Seasonal Release and Broader Context
Opening in theaters during the Christmas season, The Choral arrives with the potential to offer audiences a reflective period drama set against the harrowing times of World War I but falls short in execution. Its shortcomings highlight the challenges of marrying historical drama with meaningful character development and emotional candor in films tackling such themes.
