The Wasteland Reviewer

The Choral (2025) Written Review

What is one of the most impressive healing elements during a time of war and turmoil? One of cinema’s favorite topics is the healing power of the arts. This is not just reserved for film either. Music has been presented plenty of times as an art form that can connect so deeply and impress one’s experience and perspective of the world. One of the most harrowing moments in the history of humanity was World War I. A global conflict fought for not real substantive reason except for bickering royals who used human beings as toy soldiers. But a group of women, older men, and teenagers come together to put on a choral performance that can assist this English community in many ways. That is the story of The Choral. 

How does director Nicholas Hytner bring this story to life? This is a gorgeous looking film for sure. The costumes are period perfection and just so charming to look at. Ralph Fiennes, Dr. Henry Guthrie who is the new choral master, rocks so many slick, fancy, and debonair suits. The production design is perfect as well to capture this small town so well. This is an empathetic experience for sure as Hytner finds a supportive lens to connect the audience with this large ensemble of characters. The film moves at a brisk pace and that certainly has to do with the fact that there are so many subplots stuffed into this film that it never reaches two hours. The film does struggle with some tonal shifts unfortunately. There is plenty of charming humor (and a dash of raunchy humor as well) along the way. The film has a real heart to it as well. But then when the film gets a little darker, it struggles to reach a good transition of those tones. The most impactful elements of the film certainly are the moments of music. Composer George Fenton delivers an emotive score, and Hytner delivers on the stage of the musical numbers. Cinematographer Mike Eley shoots plenty of close-ups and medium shots of actors which give them the space to react and act with their facial reaction for great impact. The final performance is staged so perfectly and delivers quite a satisfying experience. 

Does Alan Bennett’s screenplay work well for Hytner’s film? Unfortunately, the script is way too overstuffed. There are so many subplots and story threads that it is quite overwhelming at times. That means there are multiple characters and storylines that just don’t get the depth and impact that they deserve. You have the overarching and looming force that is WWI over the course of the film. There is judgment on those not at war (despite that many of them are too young or too old to conscript). You see the physical impact on so many of the soldiers who come back and arrive in the story and how the music gives them something powerful to connect with. But this ripples into the emotional turmoil as well, including one specific storyline of a young woman finding new love in one of the teens in the choral but her first love returns with an amputated arm. This is one of the subplots with the most focus, yet it never feels fully fleshed out enough. Even the scenes range from deeply impactful to uncomfortable misguided. There is the whole conflict between Guthrie and the traditionalists in the choral who are pushing back on his Germanic appreciation and his different taste for the show. You could probably fill up a whole page of a review with just listing off all the subplots. But the overall story of getting this show together is heartwarming, poignant, and satisfying when that final performance arrives. The film dabbles in themes about homosexuality, anti-war activism, and the reinterpretation of art. But so many of these could have greatly benefited from more focus and screentime. 

What is the element of The Choral that elevates its messy and unfocused story? This cast is excellent. Fiennes is the anchoring force in the film with his stature, poise, and physicality. Whenever the camera looks to Fiennes for impact and a meaningful reaction, he delivers a look that speaks a thousand words. There are a few times during the film where emotion does get the better of Fiennes’ Dr. Guthrie and his breaking feels so authentic and poignant in those moments. The trio of Mark Addy, Roger Allam, and Alum Armstrong each deliver their own brand of veteran charm that brings good humor and feeling to the film in a meaningful way. You even get a dash of Simon Russell Beale in a single scene which gives him enough space to show off his presence and acting chops quite a bit. Jacob Dudman is one of the true standouts of the young cast as he is saddled with plenty of sadness and tough emotions. He elevates a single scene to one of the best scenes in the film as he is overcome by the evil and horrors of war that come flashing back. Amara Okereke is a charismatic and charming presence as well who makes for one of the best parts of the film. Her voice is impeccable and truly delivers in the performance elements of the story. There are plenty of other young standouts as well who give this film plenty of life. 

Is The Choral a worthwhile period drama for this awards season? Hytner’s film never quite rises to that status. The story is too overstuffed and there are just too many story threads in the film. Not enough of these storylines get the depth needed to truly honor the themes or ideas that they are exploring. But Hytner does deliver an engaging and entertaining experience with a bit of heart and soul. The cast comes to play as Fiennes leads this symphony of performers in delivering a fine trip to the cinema.