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The Choral

Play trailer 2:35 Poster for The Choral 1h 48m Drama History Music Romance War Play Trailer Watchlist
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64% Tomatometer 39 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
1916. As war rages on the Western Front, the Choral Society in Ramsden, Yorkshire has lost most of its men to the army. The Choral's ambitious committee, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell their ranks. They must also engage a new chorus master, and despite their suspicions that he has something to hide, their best bet seems to be Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) -- driven, uncompromising, and recently returned from a career in Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the whole community discovers that the best response to the chaos that is laying waste to their lives is to make music together.
The Choral

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Despite sharp dialogue and a stellar turn from Ralph Fiennes, The Choral struggles to harmonize its numerous characters and themes, resulting in a well-meaning but emotionally scattered drama.

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Cast & Crew

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Nicholas Hytner

Director

Ralph Fiennes

Actor

Roger Allam

Actor

Amara Okereke

Actor

Simon Russell Beale

Actor

Thomas Howes

Actor

Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Observer (UK) [Ralph Fiennes] does at least deliver a layered performance: he’s a beacon of class in a picture that veers dangerously towards the am-dram end of the spectrum. Nov 10, 2025 Full Review Philip De Semlyen Time Out With Ralph Fiennes gravely essaying the controversial choirmaster at its heart, it does a lovely job of swerving the obvious notes but misplaces its stirring crescendo. Rated: 3/5 Nov 10, 2025 Full Review Mark Kermode Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube) I thought the narrative bit off more than it could chew. Nov 7, 2025 Full Review Sarah Manvel Movies We Texted About The problem with The Choral, which is about the importance of art in miserable times, is that it never quite figures out how to combine all its voices together so they soar. Nov 19, 2025 Full Review Tom Shone Sunday Times (UK) Alan Bennett’s script spends too much time pursuing the romantic subplots of his teenage choristers. Rated: 2/5 Nov 14, 2025 Full Review Matthew Bond Daily Mail (UK) It’s well acted and manages to be both funny and moving. Rated: 4/5 Nov 13, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Choral

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The Choral

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Movie Info

Synopsis 1916. As war rages on the Western Front, the Choral Society in Ramsden, Yorkshire has lost most of its men to the army. The Choral's ambitious committee, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell their ranks. They must also engage a new chorus master, and despite their suspicions that he has something to hide, their best bet seems to be Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) -- driven, uncompromising, and recently returned from a career in Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the whole community discovers that the best response to the chaos that is laying waste to their lives is to make music together.
Director
Nicholas Hytner
Producer
Kevin Loader, Nicholas Hytner, Damian Jones
Screenwriter
Alan Bennett
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Sony Pictures Classics, BBC Film, Screen Yorkshire, Head Gear Films, Metro Technology
Genre
Drama, History, Music, Romance, War
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 25, 2025, Limited
Runtime
1h 48m