Watch Darwin's Darkest Hour

Darwin's Darkest Hour is a historical drama film that depicts the events leading up to Charles Darwin's decision to publish his groundbreaking work, The Origin of Species. Set in 1858, the movie begins with Darwin struggling to reconcile his scientific findings with his religious beliefs. The story's primary conflict arises from Darwin's fear of public backlash, which stems from the controversial nature of his ideas. Darwin is portrayed as a hesitant and introspective figure, who is acutely aware of the implications that his work will have on science and society.

As the film progresses, Darwin receives a letter from Alfred Russel Wallace, a fellow naturalist, who shares the same views on evolution. This prompts a crisis of conscience within Darwin, as he must decide whether to publish his work or allow Wallace to take the credit.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the challenges that Darwin faced during this critical period. The story is filled with moments of tension and uncertainty, as Darwin struggles to find the courage to write and publish his work. The movie uses a combination of suspenseful music and tight closeups to create a sense of urgency and drama.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail. The sets and costumes are meticulously crafted to immerse the audience in the Victorian era. The cinematography is also impressive, with the use of soft lighting and muted colors, which creates a somber and contemplative tone.

The performances in Darwin's Darkest Hour are outstanding. Henry Ian Cusick delivers a nuanced and layered portrayal of Charles Darwin, capturing the scientist's intelligence, insecurity, and humanity. Frances O'Connor is also excellent as Emma Darwin, Charles' wife, who provides support and guidance along the way.

The film's discussions of natural selection and evolution are also noteworthy. Rather than dumbing down or oversimplifying the science, the movie presents a thorough and nuanced examination of Darwin's ideas. It also shows how his work challenged the dominant scientific and religious ideas of the time.

The film's pace is measured and deliberate, mirroring the introspective nature of the story. Some viewers may find the pacing slow, but it allows the story to unfold naturally and builds suspense in the process.

All in all, Darwin's Darkest Hour is a thought-provoking and engaging film that accurately depicts the events leading up to the publication of The Origin of Species. The movie provides a fascinating insight into the scientific and societal context of Darwin's work, while also highlighting his internal struggles and doubts. It is an excellent movie for anyone interested in science, history, or the human condition.

Darwin's Darkest Hour is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes.