House of Guinness Review: Bold creative liberties and dark secrets make the Guinness family drama intriguing

House of Guinness is now streaming on Netflix

‘House of Guinness,’ directed by Tom Shankland and Mounia Akl, began streaming on Netflix from 25th September and stars Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn O’Shea, and James Norton.

A stylish take on history

‘House of Guinness’ is a gripping period drama that takes inspiration from real events but isn’t afraid to invent its own truths. The story opens in 1868 Dublin, just as Ireland stands at a crossroads of political unrest and industrial growth, and immediately pulls the viewer into the turmoil of one family’s legacy. The show moves at a brisk pace, carries a polished visual style, and builds a brooding atmosphere—not surprising at all, since it comes from Steven Knight, the creator of both this series and the acclaimed ‘Peaky Blinders.’ Yet unlike that crime-driven saga, here the conflict is rooted in family rivalries and power struggles that feel both intimate and explosive. While some may argue that style takes precedence over substance, the series quickly proves that beneath its gloss lies a richly woven tale. Its modern touches and bold choices are likely to stir debate.

The brewing empire at stake

The story begins in Dublin in 1868, soon after the passing of Sir Benjamin Guinness, whose brewery empire looms over his heirs. Following a tense, violence-marred funeral, the will is read the next day, and its revelations quickly plunge Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Benjamin (Fionn O’Shea), and Anne (Emily Fairn) into turmoil. The terms of the will are strict: Arthur and Edward must jointly run the business, and anyone who rejects that responsibility will be cut off. Benjamin, plagued by alcoholism and gambling, is granted only a modest stipend, while Anne, as a daughter, is relegated to a diminished role, overshadowed by her brothers. Into this fraught tension steps Sean Rafferty (James Norton), a fixer loyal to the family but soon caught in shifting allegiances once the will’s mandates come into force.

Fiction woven with bold choices

From the beginning, the series makes clear it is “a work of fiction inspired by true events,” setting the stage for artistic freedom. That freedom is used to full effect as the narrative unfolds with daring turns, stretching reality yet keeping the audience invested. Some plot points may feel far-fetched, but the atmospheric pull is undeniable. The creators lean heavily on mood—dimly lit interiors, misty exteriors, and camera work that captures Dublin as both beautiful and ominous. A modern soundtrack infused with period energy heightens the drama, creating a contrast that feels risky yet fresh. The gamble pays off more often than not, keeping viewers intrigued even when the story veers into the improbable. The show thrives on this tension between fact and invention, making it both divisive and captivating.

Performances hold the plot

James Norton dominates as Sean Rafferty, infusing the character with charm, menace, and unpredictability, making him the series’ most magnetic presence. Anthony Boyle’s Arthur is played with a volatile mix of arrogance and vulnerability, a man trapped between duty and inner turmoil. Louis Partridge delivers a layered performance as Edward, his calm exterior hiding flashes of intensity and moral conflict. Emily Fairn gives Anne a quiet strength, often silenced by circumstance but never truly diminished, her presence growing with each episode. Fionn O’Shea, as the troubled Benjamin, crafts a character full of regret, fragility, and wasted promise. Around them, the supporting cast bring texture and weight, ensuring the world feels lived-in and credible, even as the story pushes into dramatic extremes.

Also Read: Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle Review: Salman and Aamir stay guarded while spilling stories without fireworks or drama

A risky but rewarding watch

‘House of Guinness’ succeeds as a bold reimagining of history, blending fact and fiction to tell a story that is both intimate and sweeping. It is not a straightforward chronicle of the Guinness dynasty but rather a heavily fictionalised drama that explores legacy, power, and betrayal with daring confidence. While history lovers may object to the liberties taken, the mix of strong visuals, bold stylistic choices, and powerful performances makes the series engrossing. 'House of Guinness' blends history, myth, and spectacle, and somehow becomes stronger because of it. For viewers willing to set aside strict expectations, this Netflix family drama turns into a gripping ride that stays with you.

Rating: 3.5/5