A new porter forms an odd bond with the youngest daughter of a well-known UK family. As the Davenport family, headed by Lord and Lady Davenport, deals with the epic disaster of the wedding of their eldest daughter to her caddish cousin.
“Fackham Hall” manages to be both a heartfelt tribute and a cheeky send-up, all in one package. Set in 1931, the film delights in poking fun at classic British period pieces—imagine “Downton Abbey,” but with even sharper humor and more outrageous scenarios. The plot follows the misfortunes of the Davenport family, now facing disaster after losing all four sons—named John, Paul, George, and Ringo (yes, the Beatles reference is deliberate, and it’s only the start of the film’s running gags). Director Rupert Filch (a fittingly invented name) pulls off a tricky balancing act: crafting a parody that is just as lovingly detailed as the genre it’s sending up.
Every frame of “Fackham Hall” glows with the lush lighting and opulent sets you’d expect from a prestige drama. The costumes are spot-on, the estate sparkles, and the manor’s endless corridors are a visual treat. But where you’d usually find hushed secrets and heartbreak, “Fackham Hall” crams in punchlines, slapstick, and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it jokes at every turn. This is the kind of film that rewards multiple viewings, with its layers of visual jokes, puns, and hidden absurdities waiting to be discovered by eagle-eyed fans.
The actors play their roles with total seriousness, which makes the comedy land even harder. Damian Lewis gives Lord Davenport a stern dignity that only makes the film’s wildest twists funnier. Thomasin McKenzie’s straight-faced delivery brings a strange sincerity to even the most bizarre scenes. Tom Felton, as the conniving cousin, seems perfectly cast—he’s equal parts sly and clueless, sometimes within the same moment. The whole cast commits to the bit, never winking at the audience, which only amplifies the humor.
Rather than just mocking period dramas, “Fackham Hall” clearly loves them. There are moments of pure physical comedy (like a dinner party spiraling into madness or a disastrously funny fox hunt), but also plenty of sharp dialogue and background jokes aimed at die-hard comedy fans. The film’s fondness for the genre is evident, even as it lampoons every familiar cliché: the loyal butler, the plotting maid, endless heartbreaks, and constant social scheming.
Of course, as with any parody, not every joke hits its target, and the film’s throw-everything-at-the-wall approach means the laughs can be a bit inconsistent. There are times when you’ll smile instead of bursting out laughing. Still, “Fackham Hall” mostly delivers on its promise: it’s a goofy, warm-hearted romp that’s both clever and unexpectedly smart.
In a market filled with serious dramas and earnest reboots, “Fackham Hall” stands out as a rare gem—a genuinely joyful, intelligent comedy. If you’ve ever wanted to see “Downton Abbey” with more pandemonium (and a lot more puns), this is the film for you.
Now available on Blu-ray™ and DVD
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