The Choral: A Symphony of Hope Amidst the Shadows of War

Directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Alan Bennett, "The Choral" is a British drama set in 1916 during World War I. The film follows a choral society in Yorkshire that, after losing most of its male members to the war, recruits local teenagers and a new, stern chorus master, Dr. Henry Guthrie, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. Together, they find solace and hope through music amidst the challenges of the era.

The film features a cast that includes Simon Russell Beale, Roger Allam, Mark Addy, Alun Armstrong, Oliver Chris, Malcolm Sinclair, and Fenella Woolgar. The score is composed by George Fenton, known for his work on "The Lady in the Van" and "The History Boys." Principal photography began in May 2024 in Yorkshire, with Sony Pictures Classics acquiring worldwide distribution rights. The film is set to premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and is scheduled for theatrical release in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2025. A U.S. release is anticipated in December 2025. "The Choral" explores themes of community, resilience, and the transformative power of music during times of adversity.