The acclaimed First World War drama 'The Choral', featuring a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes and Endeavour star Roger Allam, has found a new streaming home on Sky Cinema and NOW. The period drama, set in Yorkshire, earned $10 million (£7.5 million) at the box office upon its initial release in 2025.
A Moving Tale of Music and War
The film follows a choral group in the fictional town of Ramsden, Yorkshire, set in 1916. As most men leave to fight in the war, the group struggles to maintain its status. Ralph Fiennes portrays Dr Henry Guthrie, the new choirmaster, while Roger Allam plays Alderman Bernard Duxbury. The plot revolves around a performance of Edward Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius, which serves as a poignant backdrop to the horrors of war.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Viewers have taken to IMDb to praise the film, calling it 'beautiful' and 'ingenious'. One reviewer noted, 'The real thrust of the plot was to reflect on the horror of war through Elgar's masterpiece... the clever interpretation of the piece was extremely moving.' Another fan shared, 'This movie was absolutely beautiful. The music was breathtaking, Ralph Fiennes his usual perfection. It was a reminder of the absolute brutality of war and the cost.'
The film has been described as a 'sober reminder' of the impacts of war, with one viewer stating, 'I didn't expect it to be so moving and a very timely reminder of the futility of war. The singing was beautiful and the two main soloists were incredible.'
Production Details
Filming took place in May 2024 in Yorkshire, specifically in the village of Saltaire. Key locations include Salts Mill, Victoria Hall, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Railway scenes were shot at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway using authentic locomotives and carriages. Composer George Fenton was hired to create the score and appears in a cameo role as Elgar's driver.
'The Choral' is now available to stream on Sky Cinema and NOW. Fans of period dramas and war films are encouraged to watch this moving tribute to the power of music amidst the tragedy of war.
