Review by John Delia
A mystery thriller centering on the pre-WWII invasion of Great Britain, Six Minutes to Midnight follows one of the most insidious plans of Hitler’s dictatorship. Nicely filmed, directed and written, the film has an acting tour-de-force that makes their characters believable. Not a documentary, but based on true events account of Hitler’s strategy is what makes the film historical. If you are looking for a good drama that keeps the tension high, this 99 minute film should get you involved and provide some excellent distraction from your day.
The movie takes place in Bexhill-on-Sea, England in August1939 at Victoria College a school for German college age women. The institution is financed and under the auspices the German Government in cooperation with the British Government in London. Miss Rocholl (Judi Dench), British Schoolmaster heads up the College and is assisted by German Ilse Keller (Carla Juri) the German Governess of the 20 pupils. Ilse reports directly to the Chancellery of her government.
Mr. Wheatley (Nigel Lindsay) the English Teacher has been missing for days, so Miss Rocholl has been informed to start taking interviews for the job. On this day Thomas Miller (Eddie Izzard) has arrived for an interview and comes with excellent references. Quickly hired, Miller is shown to his sleeping quarters by eldest pupil Astrid (Maria Dragus) and the next day takes over the class. When Mr. Wheatley’s body washes ashore on the beach, Miller gets a visit from Captain Drey (James D’Arcy) of the British Secret Service.
Director and co-writer Andy Goddard shows the strong will of the German girls as they learn the English language and choose topics that open their minds to the current struggle between countries. With danger closing in from the invasion of Poland, Goddard puts both Ilse and Rocholl in an awkward positon as to how the school will react if the Germans invade Britain.
The film is filled with spy verses spy dialogue, actions and then a final decision that will change everything. It’s a very good story with outstanding acting by several favorites in leading roles. Oscar winner Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard (Valkyrie, Ocean’s Thirteen, Across the Universe), James D’Arcy (Dunkirk), Jim Broadbent as Charlie the school’s bus driver (Dolittle, Game of Thrones, Paddington), Carla Juri (Blade Runner 2049, Brimstone, Cats) and David Scho (Darkest Hour, Pirates of the Caribbean). If you have seen a lot of British films you may see other familiar faces as well.
Six Minutes to Midnight has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some violence. It also contains some strong language. My star score for drama lovers and WWII history buffs is (4 out of 5 Stars). The film opens on March 26th in select theaters and VOD.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, Eddie Izzard, Carla Juri, James D’Arcy, Celyn Jones, David Schofield, Maria Dragus, Franziska Brandmeier, Luisa-Celine Gaffron, Daria Wolf, Bianca Nawrath, Kevin Eldon, Nigel Lindsay
Directed by: Andy Goddard
Written by: Celyn Jones, Eddie Izzard and Andy Goddard
Genre: Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence
Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.
Opening Date: March 26, 2021
Distributed by: IFC Films
Released in: Select Theaters, VOD
EDITORS NOTE: The Augusta Victoria College for Girls in Bexhill-on-Sea in England, was the first and last school of its kind in Britain. It opened in 1932 and was closed in the summer of 1939. The township of Bexhill-on-Sea is located around 75 miles from London and 31 miles to the famous Brighton Beach. The sea town is a stone’s throw over the English Channel to France.