In May 1940, as World War II escalates, Britain and France stand united against the ominous threat posed by Nazi Germany. With Adolf Hitler already on a rampage, having invaded Czechoslovakia, Poland, Denmark, and Norway, the danger looms ever larger as 3 million German troops gather on the Belgian border, intent on conquering the rest of Europe.
In this critical context, the Opposition Labor Party in Parliament calls for the resignation of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, criticizing him for his perceived ineffectiveness in safeguarding national security. They hold him responsible for the nation's lack of preparedness against the advancing Nazi regime. Chamberlain, against this backdrop, contemplates stepping down and favors Lord Halifax as his successor, but Halifax hesitates, dismissing the notion due to his position in the House of Lords. Consequently, Chamberlain looks towards Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty, as the only viable alternative.
On her very first day of work, Elizabeth Layton (Lily James), Churchill's new secretary, inadvertently disrupts his flow by not adhering strictly to his orders. After a particularly contentious encounter where Churchill's sharp words nearly drive her away in tears, his wife [Clementine](kristin-scott-thomas) steps in to remind him of the importance of temperance and kindness in his leadership role. On May 10th, King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) reluctantly instructs Churchill to form a government, which includes Chamberlain and Halifax, although he secretly desires Halifax to take the prime ministerial helm.
Churchill's prior track record does little to bolster confidence; it is marred by several military disappointments, such as the tragic Gallipoli Campaign, which resulted in 25,000 deaths. His stance against Indian self-governance and support for Edward VIII during his abdication further complicate his reputation. Despite his questionable past, some political allies, like Anthony Eden, remain by his side as he assembles his war cabinet, including himself, Chamberlain, Viscount Halifax, and Clement Attlee.
By May 13th, Germany invades France, rapidly advancing and taking control of strategic points. Parliament showcases its discontent following Churchill’s first speech, filled with determination yet met with skepticism. While Halifax and Chamberlain wish to negotiate peace through intermediaries, Churchill remains resolute, standing firm against any acceptance of surrender.
With the British Expeditionary Force cornered at Dunkirk and Calais, the situation grows dire. The lack of air cover for British troops and the ceasing of navy operations put immense pressure on Churchill. He travels to France to galvanize the French forces, but is met with disbelief as the French Prime Minister dismisses his optimism regarding the military situation.
In a notable moment on May 19th, Churchill paints a rosy picture to the nation, claiming victories over German advances, despite the grim reality of their full retreat. [Clementine](kristin-scott-thomas) implores him to provide hope to the populace. However, King George VI warns against misleading the public, urging Churchill to remain truthful.
As the situation deteriorates, on May 25th, Churchill authorizes a desperate counter-strategy, sending Brigadier Claude Nicholson (Richard Glove) and his troops on what appears to be a suicide mission to distract the enemy, allowing for the evacuation of troops at Dunkirk under Operation Dynamo. The pressure mounts when Halifax demands a promise of no peace negotiations without a fight, which leads to a pivotal moment in their discussions.
With the majority of the British forces trapped and Belgium poised to surrender, Churchill grapples with the enormity of the war cabinet's stance against him. As discussions intensify on negotiating with Germany, Churchill remains determined to sustain a posture of resistance.
In a poignant moment on May 27th, King George VI pays an unannounced visit, encouraging Churchill to rally the British spirit to continue resisting. Over the next few days, Churchill seeks insight from London’s everyday citizens, ultimately finding their resolve to fight against German aggression. Returning to the war cabinet, he confronts those who favor surrender, urging them to abandon any plans for negotiation.
In a triumphant speech, Churchill's defiance becomes clear as he declares, >"We shall fight on the beaches," rallying support from the Parliament and quelling any dissent. As the credits roll, the narrative reveals Chamberlain’s passing and Halifax’s diplomatic journey to the United States, while Churchill remains at the helm as Prime Minister until the Allied victory in May 1945, only to lose the General Election later that July.
