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Director: Nicholas Hytner
Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Mark Addy, Roger Allam
Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing UK

“Life is short. So sing.”

A fine British comedy-drama, The Choral has Nicholas Hytner and Alan Bennett combining to bring a wholesome story, set during the First World War, where Ralph Fiennes is present to express his unmatched versatility.

It’s 1916 and men are heading off to war. Included in that collective are some of the best and most talented voices within a Yorkshire village choir. Following conscription, the choir is left sounding a little stale. They’ve even lost their choir master. However, when Mark Addy comes to the rescue, he has a recommendation to the committee in order to save the choir: hire Dr Guthrie – the excellent Ralph Fiennes.

But, here’s the issue: Dr Guthrie was previously working in Germany, and has a questionable sexuality. As expected, an absolutely gigantic apprehension is established. Not only did Dr Guthrie work in Germany, but he fully embraced the German appreciation of the arts – something clearly lacking in then Britain. Dr Guthrie is faced with two massive challenges: convince the choir and locals that he isn’t a German sympathiser, and get the choir in tune – they’re awful!

Present throughout, as expected, is a wholesome small town ambiance. A heart-warming unity is present. The comradery amongst different sections within the choir are a small-town blessing. Their gradual and eventual taking to Dr Guthrie is reassuring, too. However, there is a noticeable avoidance of a deeper dive into the initial hesitance and issues towards Dr Guthrie. Even the war itself, there is a lacking dread amongst the community. This downplaying of severity, at times, is unfortunate in establishing The Choral in a form of cosplay of the era, rather than a product and representation with an astounding historical accuracy.

Though there is a belief that all films should be shown on the big screen, The Choral often resembles that of a TV-Movie. A TV-Movie, with a TV cast, but managing to scoop that big star performer in Ralph Fiennes. One cannot even argue that The Choral is simply present in the wrong era and would have been more suitable in the 90s amongst the British film boom, as this 1916-based drama simply is not gritty enough given the social context. There are only brief hints of a social commentary on class, specifically those who are shipped out the war first. In contrast, in The Choral, there are more instances of sleaze than social commentary.

Ultimately, The Choral exists within the spectrum of Sunday afternoon television, often accompanied by tinned soup. Not a complaint. The biggest victory is Fiennes – he is the star, and is the obvious standout amongst the cast. Certainly an alternate performance from that of his recent outings, though one with the commitment, as if it were a franchise sequel. However, the war crimes exist in the inconsistent tone – treading back to humor and delight in avoidance of tackling stronger, mature issues.