The Choral

M (offensive language and sexual references) | Directed by Nicolas Hytner | In theatres

I was really curious about The Choral, especially with a Salvation Army ‘lassie’ in the mix, and the World War I setting had so much potential. The film hints at strong themes—community, healing and the unifying power of music—but it never quite settles on the story it wants to tell. It drifts between ideas without developing any of them deeply enough to truly land. The sexual content felt out of place and ended up distracting from the film’s more meaningful threads. To be fair, the film has some lovely moments, especially when it leans into the music and the sense of community it’s trying to celebrate. In the end, it’s a missed opportunity. (Reviewed by Vivienne Hill)