Exploring “House of Guinness”: A New Historical Drama from Steven Knight

Renowned for his work on “Peaky Blinders,” Steven Knight has taken to Netflix with his latest endeavor, “House of Guinness.” This historical series, set largely in Dublin, Ireland, draws inspiration from the real-life Guinness family and the empire they built following the death of its patriarch. While the drama boasts solid performances and engaging storytelling, it doesn’t quite deliver the same level of intensity as Knight’s previous hit, “Peaky Blinders,” or even his recent Hulu offering, “A Thousand Blows.” Nonetheless, it serves as an intriguing exploration of one of Ireland’s most famous dynasties.

The Opening, Chaos, and Brewed Legacy

“House of Guinness” kicks off amidst turmoil as it captures the tensions of May 27, 1868. The death of Sir Benjamin Guinness leaves his vast brewery shrouded in disorder. Interestingly, Guinness’s passing isn’t mourned universally; the Fenians, who would later form the Irish Republican Army (IRA), take to the streets in celebration of his demise, reflecting the tension between his legacy and his partnership with British interests. The foreman of the brewery, Sean Rafferty—played brilliantly by James Norton—is thrust into a chaotic role as he safeguards Benjamin’s casket from rowdy protestors.

A Family Divided

At the family estate, Benjamin’s children express little grief over their father’s death. In a pre-funeral meeting, Anne (Emily Fairn), the sole daughter, attempts to rally her rambunctious brothers to present a unified front. However, the siblings hold vastly different concerns. Arthur (Anthony Boyle), the eldest, grapples with leaving his carefree London lifestyle filled with indulgence. Meanwhile, Ben (Fionn O’Shea) is so intoxicated that he can barely recognize the situation, while the youngest, Edward (Louis Partridge), is caught in the shadow of his more flamboyant brothers, despite having aspirations of his own.

The Will and Its Aftermath

The atmosphere shifts dramatically during the reading of Benjamin’s will, which sends shockwaves through the family. In a surprising twist, Ben and Anne are disinherited—Ben for his alcoholism and Anne simply for being a woman. Conversely, Arthur and Edward inherit the brewery and a considerable fortune, valued today at approximately $162 million. This new reality creates a serious conflict as neither sibling can exit the business without relinquishing their stake to the other.

The Burden of Legacy

As the series progresses, it delves into how Arthur and Edward adapt to their leadership roles while juggling personal desires and familial obligations. While Anne and Ben become more peripheral characters, the duo’s sibling rivalry and cooperation form the emotional core of the narrative. Edward’s ambition to expand the brewery internationally contrasts sharply with Arthur’s nostalgic inclinations toward his former life, underlining the complex dynamics of ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice. Simultaneously, the unrest fueled by the Fenian uprising, led by siblings Ellen (Niamh McCormack) and Paddy Cochran (Seamus O’Hara), further complicates the world around them.

A Mixed Bag of Execution

Despite the series’ compelling premise and visual splendor, “House of Guinness” falls short in its execution relative to Knight’s earlier works. The stunning cinematography and energetic soundtrack are commendable, yet as the show progresses into its fifth episode, it begins to feel stretched and meandering. The latter half seems to dilute the urgency of the plot, with episodes feeling overstuffed and lacking focus. A more streamlined narrative highlighting primary characters could have amplified the series’ impact.

Conclusion: A Worthy, If Imperfect, Addition to Television

While not entirely faithful to historical events, “House of Guinness” serves as an entertaining exploration of the famed brewing family and extends an invitation to viewers interested in Ireland’s rich history. Although it might not achieve the heights of Knight’s earlier masterpieces, it remains a captivating tale of family conflict, ambition, and the ramifications of legacy.

“House of Guinness” is set to premiere on September 25 on Netflix.