House of Guinness Review:
The moment House of Guinness hit Netflix, it made one thing clear: this isn’t just a period drama about a brewery — it’s a full‑throttle legacy war built on secret wills, shifting loyalties, and the weight of a name. The series plunges you into 1860s Dublin, right after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, and sets the stage for a battle royale among his heirs over who gets to steer the empire forward.
What Works
1. Lush Atmosphere + Historical Layering
From smoky dye works to grand wood‑panelled drawing rooms, the show nails its setting. The tension of post‑Famine Ireland, nationalist undercurrents and class resentment as backdrop, gives the drama deeper texture. The production design, costumes, and set pieces rarely disappoint.
2. Strong Core Performances
Anthony Boyle brings danger and restraint to Arthur, while Louis Partridge’s Edward is sharp, ambitious, and haunted. Emily Fairn’s Anne quietly stands out — she isn’t sidelined, but carries a moral weight. And James Norton’s Sean Rafferty, though technically external, adds a compelling edge to the family’s internal storm.
3. Succession Vibes (With a Twist)
Yes, you’ll see echoes of Succession — siblings, wills, compromises, betrayals. But the period trappings, industrial stakes, and national tensions make it a different flavor. Because here, the legacy is not just money, it’s identity and social order.
What Needs Polishing
Uneven Pacing
The early episodes feel cautious—there’s an awkwardness, as if the show is dragging its feet before choosing a direction. The full-on momentum kicks in only midway, which might test patience.
Too Many Threads, Few Explored
With many siblings, whisperers, rebels, and social causes in the mix, some arcs are rushed, or feel like they exist just to tick a box. A subplot or two deserved more breathing room.
Modern Touches That Clash
Occasional music or editing flourishes feel slightly anachronistic for the setting. They grab your attention (in both good and bad ways) — stylistic boldness is welcome, but sometimes subtlety is better.
Final Word
House of Guinness is not flawless. It steps heavily into melodrama at times, and it doesn’t always deliver justice to every character thread. But when it’s at its best — sibling confrontation, moral crossroads, the brewing business as both metaphor and battleground — it pulls you into its world irresistibly.
If you love family sagas, historical clash, and power games with emotional stakes, this is one to stream. It may not dethrone your all‑time favorites yet, but it’s got enough ambition, blood, and dark ambition to carve its place.
