The second trailer for Darkest Hour has been released. Already, the British war drama film directed by Atonement filmmaker, Joe Wright, has begun generating Academy Award buzz for Gary Oldman, who looks unrecognizable as he takes on the role of the famous British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. The film is set in an especially precarious point in the politician's storied career, when he has just assumed his position and was quickly met with a serious national crisis - as Hitler's forces close in on Britain at the height of the Second World War.

Before it makes its big splash in theaters stateside in November (and December in the United Kingdom), the Darkest Hour has already made the film festival rounds. It debuted earlier this month at Telluride International Film Festival, followed by a showing at the Toronto International Film Festival. Those who were lucky enough to have already seen it are generally in awe with Oldman's take on Mr. Churchill, dubbing it as possibly the actor's greatest performance yet - which is really saying something, given that the veteran actor has some pretty great performances under his belt already.

Related: Gary Oldman Becomes Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour Image

Churchill is a favorite historical figure when it comes to TV and movie adaptations, with several actors having portrayed the man onscreen over the years now. Brian Cox joined their ranks this year with his turn in the British film, Churchill - and of course, there's also John Lithgow's Primetime Emmy winning portrayal of the character on Netflix's TV series The Crown. Oldman's iteration, however, involves perhaps the most dramatic physical transformation that he has undergone in order to immerse himself in a role yet. As for his performance: we got a taste of what it is going to be like in the first Darkest Hour trailer, making this new trailer (see above) icing on the cake. You can also check out the film's new poster, below:

Here is the official synopsis for Darkest Hour:

A thrilling and inspiring true story begins at the precipice of World War II as, within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.

NEXT: The Shape of Water Wins Big at Venice Film Festival

Source: Focus Features

Key Release Dates