by Henry Pham
Fackham Hall marks the screenwriting debut for British comedian and television host Jimmy Carr, who is known for hosting 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, both of which were produced by Channel 4. It is a period parody movie that takes place somewhere in the 1930s, and follows a loveable pick-pocket Eric Noone (Radcliffe) as he lands a job at a unique English manor house. He quickly rises through the ranks, and a forbidden romance with lady-of-the-house Rose Davenport (McKenzie) blossoms. However, when an unexpected murder occurs, Eric gets framed, leaving Rose and her family’s future perilously uncertain.
The English cast, including Ben Radcliffe (The CW’s Pandora), Thomasin McKenzie (Leave No Trace, Jojo Rabbit), Katherine Waterson (Fantastic Beasts films), Tom Felton (Harry Potterfilms), Damian Lewis (HBO’s Band of Brothers), Emma Laird (Paramount’s Mayor of Kingstown, A Haunting in Venice), and Sue Johnston (BBC’s The Royle Family), deliver engaging performances that bring warmth and depth to the 1930s English storyline. Their characters are well-defined and thoughtfully crafted. Jimmy Carr also appears as the Vicar.
The trailer of this film has become a sensational hit, becoming the most-viewed trailer for Bleecker Street. The film maintains a brisk pace throughout its 97-minute runtime, which is shorter than most British drama films, except for Aardman’s animated features (such as Wallace & Gromit films). Under Jim O’Hanlon’s direction, the story blends elements from Downton Abbey, Airplane!, and Monty Python, offering both drama and subtle humour that will appeal to British audiences. The second act shifts into a mystery as the characters work to solve a murder. The plot draws inspiration from Downton Abbey, featuring a British cast, a country estate setting, and themes of uncertainty and change in the 1930s. The production design, landscapes, and cinematography are particularly noteworthy. Although, be warned there is some strong language used in the film.
Fackham Hall offers a beautiful British acting cast and blends a mixture of British drama films and television shows. It’s a great movie to watch, but if you haven’t seen any of the British movies and television shows (such as Downton Abbey). You are extremely familiar with Harry Potter, Monthly Python, and Wallace & Gromit, but you may not be familiar with other British franchises and films (outside of British television shows) being made by English filmmakers. It can be difficult to get used to these types of films, whether you’re American or British. And believe me, I love all things British-related, but I admit you will be lost and will not be able to enjoy this piece as much as British fans do. If you want my advice, I say give this movie a try, maybe at least once.
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