When Beer is More Than a Drink: It's a Legacy
The creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, once again delves into history with The House of Guinness, a dramatic series that transports us to Dublin in 1868. The plot begins with a crucial event: the death of patriarch Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, leaving control of one of the world's largest brewing empires up for grabs. His four children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, will be plunged into a power struggle where ambition, family secrets, and the weight of a legendary surname intertwine. 🍺
A Fratricidal Struggle for a Global Empire
Each of the Guinness heirs represents a different faction and an opposing vision for the company's future:
- Arthur: Seeks political power, viewing the brewery as a springboard to influence.
- Edward: The commercial visionary, obsessed with expanding the brand into new markets.
- Anne: Focuses on social responsibility, fighting to improve conditions for workers and the community.
- Ben: The youngest son, struggles to find his own identity outside the shadow of his surname.
Their personal conflicts reflect the tensions of an Ireland undergoing transformation.
Recreating Victorian Dublin with Mastery
Given that 19th-century Dublin has changed drastically, the production made the decision to film in locations in Liverpool, Manchester, and Wales. The production team did meticulous work to recreate iconic places like Iveagh House and the Guinness brewery itself, achieving an atmosphere that completely immerses the viewer in the era. The attention to detail in costumes and set design is simply impeccable. 🎥
The series has been praised for its intriguing narrative and production quality.
A Critical Success Since Its Premiere
The series has been met with enthusiasm by both critics and audiences. With an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid score on Metacritic, The House of Guinness has proven that Steven Knight's formula for period drama remains infallible. Praise focuses on its addictive narrative, the performances of its cast, and the richness of its production, cementing it as one of the most outstanding series of the year.
In the end, this series shows that family conflicts can be as complex and intoxicating as a good stout. It's curious to think that, while the Guinness siblings fight for control of the brewery, viewers debate whether they should toast with a pint of Guinness or a glass of wine to accompany the series. 😉