It’s been over a decade since Steven Knight captivated audiences with his Birmingham-set crime thriller, Peaky Blinders. Now, the acclaimed creator ventures into a new historical drama, House of Guinness, aiming to capture a similar prestige. This latest series intertwines complex family politics with the fervent Irish struggle for independence, offering a narrative that, while somewhat predictable, remains thoroughly engaging.
A compelling visual from House of Guinness, provided by Netflix, sets the scene for this opulent production.
The story plunges us into Dublin in 1868, immediately following the death of Benjamin Guinness, the revered patriarch and head of the legendary brewery. His demise ignites a compelling power struggle among his four children, each vying for control over the vast Guinness empire. Benjamin’s will divides the company equally between his elder sons, Arthur (Anthony Boyle) and Edward (Louis Partridge), though it’s only Edward who demonstrates a genuine passion for the business. Meanwhile, siblings Anne (Emily Fairn) and Benjamin (Fionn O’Shea) find their inheritance and futures entangled in the brothers’ decisions. As the will leaves no one truly satisfied, the Guinness offspring must navigate a treacherous landscape of hidden family secrets, strategically arranged marriages, and clandestine romantic affairs.
Series at a Glance:
- Creator: Steven Knight
- Cast: Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn O’Shea, David Wilmot, James Norton, Jack Gleeson, Niamh McCormack
- Episodes: 8
- Runtime: 45-50 minutes per episode
- Storyline: In 19th-century Dublin, the Guinness family faces internal feuds over their liquor empire amidst the backdrop of Ireland’s fight for independence.
Beyond the brewery, Arthur is pressured to claim his father’s vacant Parliamentary seat. His reluctant political campaign quickly faces opposition from the Irish Republican Brotherhood, an organization led by siblings Ellen (Niamh McCormack) and Patrick (Seamus O’Hara). These ‘Fenians’ in Dublin are fiercely determined to leverage political power to advance the cause of Irish independence.
Across eight episodes, Knight masterfully crafts a potent blend of Irish history and family intrigue, viewed through the fascinating prism of this immensely powerful dynasty. The addition of political complexities creates a compelling narrative. While fans of Peaky Blinders might anticipate a similar grittiness, House of Guinness surprises with its moments of humor and a lighter touch. Knight further enhances the drama with an engaging soundtrack, notably featuring the Irish rap trio, Kneecap.
However, House of Guinness doesn’t quite deliver the raw grit often associated with Steven Knight’s work. The writing and dialogue lean more towards exposition, and the series suffers from uneven pacing and increasingly predictable plot developments in its latter half. Despite these flaws, Knight’s visual presentation remains stylish and immersive, and the ensemble cast shines. James Norton, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Sean Rafferty, the Guinness family’s gruff right-hand man, alongside the rebellious fighter portrayed by Niamh McCormack.
Ultimately, House of Guinness offers familiar enjoyment, though it largely refrains from truly surprising its audience. A trailer for the series is available, offering a glimpse into the lavish sets and intense drama. You can currently stream House of Guinness on Netflix.