Set against the backdrop of World War I, ‘The Choral’ is a poignant film that explores the power of community and music during dark times. This review delves into the heartwarming narrative and the characters that bring the story to life.
The Choral: A Review of a Heartwarming Wartime Tale
The year is 1916, set in the fictional hamlet of Ramsden in Yorkshire. The Military Service Act, which imposed conscription on British males aged 18 to 41, has not yet been enacted, but support for the war is already dwindling. While older citizens may proclaim that they wish they could serve, the reality is stark as the town’s returning servicemen come back injured, haunted, and forever changed.
Choral Society’s Struggles
For a smaller group of Ramsden residents, the war serves as a backdrop to more immediate concerns: with many young men at the front, the town’s choral society is struggling for members. When its leader decides to enlist, the situation becomes even more dire. The choral society, while seemingly trivial, provides a much-needed escape for those affected by the war. This includes Alderman Duxbury (Roger Allam), a local mill owner mourning his son lost in battle; Joe Fytton (Mark Addy), who photographs the boys before they depart; Bella (Emily Fairn), whose soldier boyfriend is missing; and best friends Ellis (Taylor Uttley), Lofty (Oliver Briscombe), and Mitch (Shaun Thomas), who are on the brink of adulthood. Mary (Amara Okereke) simply loves to sing while collecting change for the Salvation Army.
A Light Amidst Darkness
In Nicholas Hytner’s beautifully staged “The Choral,” these characters come together to produce a show, offering a glimmer of hope during dark times. The film is a light, low-key crowdpleaser that occasionally touches on heavier themes before gracefully returning to its uplifting core. It’s refreshing to see an original wartime story focused on the human spirit without becoming overly grandiose. The characters simply want to perform, and “The Choral” delivers.
New Dynamics with Dr. Henry Guthrie
The arrival of their new choir master, Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes), adds complexity to the narrative. A former organist turned conductor, Dr. Guthrie returns to the UK after years in Germany, and his appointment is met with mixed reactions. Children throw things at him, older members of the society ridicule him, and there are whispers about his relationship with a young German naval officer, adding tension to the story.
Struggles and Triumphs
As Guthrie and his diverse choir navigate their differences, they grapple with selecting a choral piece to perform. Many great composers are German, which complicates their choices during such a tumultuous time. Eventually, they settle on Edward Elgar’s “The Dream of Gerontius,” a powerful parable of good versus evil that evolves alongside the group. They even contemplate a “reimagining” of the piece that resonates with their current struggles.
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Conclusion
The film explores themes of romance, heartbreak, and the unifying power of music. “The Choral” ultimately reveals that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can create beauty. This smaller-scale war story, crafted with care, serves as a reminder that life continues, much like a song, even amidst horror. Perhaps it’s the persistence of life that keeps despair at bay, if only for a moment.
Grade: B-
“The Choral” premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and will be released in the U.S. by Sony Pictures Classics.
