A new British comedy film aiming to skewer the beloved period drama genre has arrived in cinemas, promising a raunchy and absurd romp. Fackham Hall, co-written by comedian Jimmy Carr, features an ensemble cast including Damian Lewis, Katherine Waterston, and Tom Felton. The central question is whether this spoof manages to carve its own niche or simply follows a well-trodden comedic path.
The Plot: A Familiar Farce of Manners and Marriage
The film invents the aristocratic Davenport family, whose fortunes are in dire straits. Lord and Lady Davenport, played by Lewis and Waterston, hatch a plan to secure their estate by marrying their youngest daughter to their insufferable first cousin, Archibald (Tom Felton). Their scheme hits an immediate snag when the bride-to-be, Poppy (Emma Laird), flees her own wedding to escape with her dung deliveryman.
This leaves the Davenports with one remaining option: their older daughter Rose (Thomasin McKenzie), who is dismissively labelled a "dried-up husk of a woman" at the age of 23. Rose is as horrified by the prospect of marrying Archibald as he is of her. The plot introduces a classic romantic twist with the arrival of Eric (Ben Radcliffe), an orphaned young man who begins working at the hall. His instant connection with Rose sparks a secret affair, further complicating the family's precarious situation.
The farce escalates with the murder of Lord Devonshire, which forces Rose and Archibald to expedite their nuptials, setting the stage for a series of chaotic and bawdy events.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The Gags That Land and Those That Flop
The screenplay, penned with Jimmy Carr's signature style, is packed with a rapid-fire succession of jokes. It successfully generates consistent chuckles through cheeky double entendres, rude gags, and deliberately bonkers antics. The film shines with its clever anachronistic humour. A standout creation is the live-in servant named "Alexa", who replaced "Siri" after Lady Devonshire grew paranoid about being eavesdropped upon.
Another inspired touch is the character of a houseguest, J.R. Tolkien (Jason Done), who is subtly gathering material for his future literary works. A particularly witty moment sees him jotting down notes after overhearing Lady Davenport call her daughter "my precious."
However, the comedy is not uniformly successful. Some performances and gags fall flat. A notable example is Great Aunt Bonaparte (Sue Johnston) attempting to speak like a modern teenager, using phrases like "wasteman just got merked" at the dinner table—a joke that feels more awkward than hilarious.
Final Verdict: Daft Entertainment on a Predictable Path
Ultimately, Fackham Hall is exactly what it sets out to be: a thoroughly daft and often witty spoof. Its greatest flaw is its predictable narrative, which offers few genuine surprises for audiences familiar with the genre it mocks. The stellar cast delivers committed performances, with Thomasin McKenzie and Ben Radcliffe providing a relatable core amidst the madness.
If you are seeking undemanding, easy-going entertainment with a distinctly British sense of humour, Fackham Hall provides decent enough viewing. It delivers sufficient laughs to justify a cinema trip for fans of Carr's comedy or the period drama format, even if it doesn't reinvent the spoof wheel.
The film is now showing in cinemas nationwide. The full principal cast includes: Damian Lewis as Lord Davenport; Katherine Waterston as Lady Davenport; Emma Laird as Poppy; Tom Felton as Archibald; Thomasin McKenzie as Rose; and Ben Radcliffe as Eric.
