Netflix’s House of Guinness: A Flawed Yet Ambitious Saga

Netflix’s new series, House of Guinness, released on October 5, 2023, attempts to weave a narrative of familial power struggles within the celebrated brewing dynasty. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 19th century, the show begins with the death of Benjamin Guinness in 1868, the grandson of the brewery’s founder, Arthur Guinness. Much like the acclaimed series Succession, it explores the ambitions and dysfunctions of Benjamin’s children, each vying for control over the brewing empire.

The series boasts an impressive soundtrack that includes tracks from notable Irish artists such as Fontaines DC and Gilla Band. An early scene depicting a “Fenian” riot in Dublin is particularly noteworthy, accompanied by Kneecap’s provocative track, “Get Your Brits Out.” This musical selection not only enhances the viewing experience but also serves to introduce a wider audience to the vibrant Irish music scene.

Critique of Historical Representation

Despite its strengths, House of Guinness faces criticism for its portrayal of Irish history. Writer Steven Knight appears to have a limited understanding of Ireland’s colonial past. The series presents the struggle for Irish independence as a simplistic conflict between various groups of Irish people, neglecting the broader context of British colonialism. Notably, the show fails to include any British characters in its eight episodes, a significant omission that detracts from the historical narrative.

Knight, who previously created the controversial series Peaky Blinders, brings a similar approach to House of Guinness, resulting in a portrayal that lacks depth. Critics have noted that his representation of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy misses crucial nuances, presenting them as uniformly privileged rather than acknowledging the complexities of their identities and societal roles.

The cast, including James Norton as the family’s advisor, Seán Rafferty, and Louis Partridge as the sensible son, Edward, delivers performances that attempt to bring life to the flawed script. However, some characterizations, such as that of Lady Olivia Hedges, played by Danielle Galligan, seem overly simplified. These portrayals risk reducing rich historical figures to mere stereotypes.

Ambitious Yet Flawed Execution

One particularly striking scene features Lady Anne Guinness, portrayed by Emily Bairns, who visits a village in “Connacht, Co Mayo,” only to be shocked by the existence of a past famine and the prevalence of the Irish language. This moment, intended to highlight historical realities, instead comes off as unintentionally comic and reinforces the show’s disconnect from authentic Irish experiences.

As the series unfolds, it becomes evident that while House of Guinness aims for an epic portrayal of Ireland’s brewing legacy, it often stumbles in its execution. Its ambitious scope, set against a backdrop of historical upheaval, contrasts sharply with the narrative’s failures to engage with the complexities of its characters and their contexts.

While House of Guinness may attract audiences intrigued by the allure of the Guinness brand and its storied history, it raises questions about the responsibilities of storytellers in representing cultural narratives accurately. The series offers a visually rich experience but ultimately challenges viewers to consider the truth behind the tales we choose to tell.