Director: Nicholas Hytner
Writer: Alan Bennett
Stars: Taylor Uttley, Ralph Fiennes, Emily Fairn
Synopsis: A choral society’s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie to recruit teenagers. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young boys grapple with their impending conscription into the army.
The Choral begins softly, almost tentatively, as if afraid to raise its voice. Then it gradually swells into something rich, layered, and unexpectedly resonant. At first glance, it’s a story about a struggling community choir in a northern English town. But underneath the harmonies lies a drama about loneliness, forgiveness, and the futility of war.
The film follows a choral society, during World War I, where men are being enlisted every day, leaving the chairmen no options but to hire demanding Dr. Guthrie to lead their beloved and respected choir. Dr. Guthrie has been living in Germany and many rumors surround him. His high expectations and artistic flair bring together a community to perform a reimagining of a beloved score by Elgar (The Dream of Geronitus).
The Choral does have a familiar standard “community band/choir comes together” formula, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. When the choir falters, the emotions are messy. When they succeed, the victories feel earned, not engineered.
The pacing is gentle but assured; the story never rushes its characters into growth, which makes their breakthroughs all the more affecting. This all leads to the final performance from the choir, which is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s not performed anywhere grand, with no large audience, and this was more moving than expected. As they sing, actors dressed as soldiers are being shot (not literally) on stage, and it’s incredibly thought-provoking and moving.
Whilst the film is uplifting and filled with small moments of joy and humor, there is an underlying theme of sadness. This is done in subtle ways, showing very real themes other films in the war genre have not. An example being where women are receiving letters of their loved ones passing, and audiences are given time to see and feel their reactions – living this harrowing experience with them.
Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Guthrie is strong, poised, and professional. With small moments of vulnerability, his character is one you’d follow to the ends of the earth. Robert Emms, as his sidekick pianist, does a wonderful job as someone who doesn’t have to tell, we can just see his feelings and fears through subtle looks and moments. His scene as a conscientious objector is especially powerful. Jacob Dudman as Cylde, who returns bruised from war, is honest and sweet. He has one small monologue which grounds the film and is a reminder of the pain which is to come to other young choir members who are excited to turn 18 and serve their country. The rest of the large ensemble cast all do an excellent job in bringing the story to life and singing their hearts out.
It would be impossible to discuss The Choral without acknowledging its strong ties to Yorkshire, not just as a backdrop, but as a creative force. The rolling hills, village halls, and brick terraces do more than create atmosphere; they root the film in a place where the community is both fragile and fiercely protected. As someone from and living in Yorkshire, watching this film, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort. However, the downside to this is that the film isn’t universal. If you’re not from Yorkshire some of the jokes might go over your head.
Screen Yorkshire’s involvement in bringing The Choral to life is palpable in every frame. Their support for regional filmmaking has allowed stories like this one to flourish without being swallowed by more commercial pressures. Yorkshire has long been a fertile ground for authentic, character-driven drama, and the fact that productions of this calibre continue to choose the region is a testament to the talent, infrastructure, and landscapes it offers. If you’re looking for other Yorkshire-based films that showcase the gentleness and grit of its people, Kes, Brassed Off, and Rita Sue and Bob Too have to be added to your watch list.
The final shot of three cheeky choir boys, in their army uniform, happily waving goodbye with glee, to faces filled with fear, is simply beautiful. The Choral is a film for those who enjoy the war genre, but instead of seeing bullets and battlefields, we see what it was like for those back home. Trying to live amongst change and chaos, and finding community and comfort in the power of music. The Choral is tender without being sentimental, hopeful without being naïve, and anchored by performances that feel quietly remarkable.
