‘The Choral’ Review – Minimal Drama, Maximum Tenderness And Authenticity [LFF 2025]

During on-screen war stories, the camera rarely strays away from the dangerous front lines. However, The Choral offers a much more subdued yet equally moving and impactful portrayal of wartime. Instead of seeing the raging World War One through the eyes of the soldiers, this latest collaboration between filmmaker Nicholas Hytner and writer Alan Bennett tells the charming story of a small choir society in Ramsden, Yorkshire, who, in times of loss and uncertainty, use their songs and voices as a beacon of hope. The choir has undergone significant changes since the start of the war years ago, and now the most crucial one is imminent. After their current choir master leaves to enlist, they need a new one. Soon, they find their musical salvation in the caring yet controversial conductor Dr. Henry Gutherie (Ralph Fiennes).

From then on, Fiennes takes centre stage with a completely commanding performance. He adds much weight, class, and grace to any film, and this time is no different. His gentle, delicate, and ferocious performance contrasts with the theatrical acting from his supporting cast. While The Choral doesn’t leave as much of an impact as Conclave or 28 Years Later, this movie shows that even when the story leans more towards being a cosy Sunday afternoon watch, Fiennes’ remarkable strength and versatility are undeniably present.

As Gutherie, he must, together with his new choir, give their small Yorkshire town something to hold onto. Music soothes the mind, and that’s all you need to feel (temporary) happiness. He’s certainly a divisive choice – due to his years in Germany and his rumoured sexuality – but his exceptional mastery of the craft and the uplifting voices of his choir soon fill the town with hope, joy, and beautiful songs.

Because the singers spend much time trying to hit the right notes, dealing with Gutherie’s unorthodox approach to conducting a choir and singing those lovely hymns, we don’t get much insight into what they’re doing when they’re not singing. Even more so because this movie is an overstuffed ensemble drama, and the filmmaker wants to focus on as many choir members as possible. From the grieving mill owner (Roger Allam) with musical passion but no talent to a Salvation Army member (Amara Okereke) with an angelic voice to the pianist harbouring his own secrets, they’re all part of this remarkable story. Because the focus is on all of them, you only spend a brief time with one before moving on to the next. Hytner doesn’t give you enough time to truly get to know the supporting characters, which is a shame, as some certainly make for beautiful cinema.

We also don’t find out the music’s real impact on their life. While the script clearly centres on the power of music and the need for a community, especially in a time of need, it all feels too superficial as Hytner never shows how the music changed the choir members’ lives and the community. You do find out, though, what impact the war has on the people in town living miles away from the trenches. In between the profound one-liners, much of the dialogue focuses on the effect of war. You might not hear or see the horrors happening at the front lines, but the war’s damage becomes crystal clear when looking at the people in this beautiful rural town.

Despite The Choral being about music, the film has barely any score, besides the songs sung by the choir. The director avoids using music to let the emotional moments play out naturally to ensure you truly feel each emotion. Whether it’s Lofty (Oliver Briscombe) delivering the news to the townsfolk that their loved ones have died during war, Bella (Emily Fairn) being torn between her returned lover and her new one, or Gutherie secretly mourning the death of his German friend while the entire choir is celebrating it, each moment will move you in its own unique way. The last scene ensures the movie ends on the most profoundly affecting note possible.

The movie might not have much of a score, but it offers a generous dose of humor. It lightens its darker moments and death’s persistent presence with humour, as it doesn’t shy away from being extremely candid about sex. One of the choir members regularly entertains men at her house, while many of the young soldiers want to lose their virginity before heading to the front, resulting in much sexual mischief.

If you’ve seen Hytner and Bennett’s prior filmic beautiful creations, such as The Madness of King George, The History Boys, and The Lady in the Van, you know what you can expect from this movie. A heartwarming feature with little drama and depth but with plenty of laughs, tender moments, and authenticity.

The Choral is part of the Headline Galas section at the BFI London Film Festival 2025. It will be released in theatres on December 25, 2025, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics. 

Director: Nicholas Hytner

Writer: Alan Bennett

Rated: R

Runtime: 108m