Picture Credit: Netflix
While we all know that a pint of Guinness needs to settle to be best served, the Guinness family was never settled. House of Guinness follows the four children of the late Benjamin Guinness, who inherit the immense Guinness empire… but the keys to the kingdom come with tremendous pressure and politics.
Of all the dramas over the years, it’s surprising that the Guinness family has never really been covered. From the vast scandals, to the heavy politics, to the unbelievable scale of the Guinness brewing operation — the family’s history and legacy lend themselves to a dramatization. This brings us to House of Guinness, an 8-episode drama from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
House of Guinness is not an origin story about the founding of the iconic alcoholic beverage. It begins a generation later, following the death of Benjamin Guinness, the patriarch who has turned Guinness into a massive success. Upon his death, his will is triggered, which causes tensions between his four children: Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne (Emily Fairn), and Ben (Fionn O’Shea). The will contains controversial decisions that put a rift between his children. Eldest siblings Arthur and Edward inherit the brewery, while Ben is ostracised entirely.
The first thing that jumps out about House of Guinness is the glorious sets and costumes. While filmed mostly around Liverpool, England, the series immerses viewers into the gritty streets of Dublin, cobblestone streets glistening with the rain, candlelit pubs, and musky horizons. It’s visceral and rough.
Picture: Netflix
The series focuses on personal stories, delving into the inner dynamics, trials, and tribulations of the Guinness family — which is rife with infidelity, scandals, and secrets. While it often veers into the realm of soap opera, when the action does hit, it hits hard with numerous tense and breathtaking sequences.
House of Guinness heavily explores the complex political aspects of Dublin during that time period, particularly the role of religion in the movements of the Guinness empire. The historical accuracy is very questionable, but the show doesn’t try and hide its inaccuracies. A disclaimer at the beginning clearly states that the story is a “fiction” story inspired by” real events.
The feel and atmosphere is not unlike Knight’s beloved series Peaky Blinders. Much like Peaky Blinders, it utilizes anachronistic, modern music, shining a spotlight on Irish bands and musicians. While I would’ve liked a little more immersive Irish folk music, the modern twist isn’t completely unwelcome.
Picture: Netflix
Each character in the series is intriguing, with their own distinct personalities and views. While the series may lack historical accuracy, it more than makes up for it by delving into the complex dynamics of the four siblings and their arguments and interactions. Arthur (Anthony Boyle) and Edward (Louis Partridge) were particular standouts; they’re brothers divided by opinion and ambition but chained together by duty. Another standout is Jack Gleeson as Byron Hedges. Witty, energetic, sneaky, and often deplorable, Gleeson’s performance is a joy to watch.
Watch House of Guinness on Netflix If You Like
- Peaky Blinders
- Call The Midwife
- The Dig
- Rebellion
- Succession
- The Wonder
MVP of House of Guinness
Jack Gleeson – It’s been a crying shame we haven’t seen more of Gleeson since his breakout and headline-grabbing role in Game of Thrones, but amongst an incredible cast full of memorable performances, his in particular is sublime.
Verdict on House of Guinness
Overall, House of Guinness is an excellent series, whether you’re a big fan of the beverage seeking to delve a little deeper into its origins or simply a fan of finely woven and complex historical dramas. It delivers excellence in nearly all respects. It’s dark, rich, and leaves you satisfied — much like a good pint of Guinness.
Bonus: If you get to the end, you’ll also conclude pretty quickly that the series sets up more to come. We have a full Season 2 preview here, but we’ll note that the series closes with a classic ambiguity and sets up more to come. The series hasn’t received an official renewal at the time of publishing this review, so if that’s a factor you use to decide whether to watch, now you know.
All eight episodes of House of Guinness season 1 are now streaming on Netflix.
Rating: TV-MA
