Fackham Hall bursts onto the screen delivering a much-needed revival of the spoof genre that’s been gathering dust since the heyday of Airplane! Directed by Jim O’Hanlon and co-written by comedian Jimmy Carr, this comedy takes aim at the world of British period dramas, particularly Downton Abbey, with a barrage of gags that range from clever wordplay to outright slapstick absurdity. From the moment the film opens with servants tending to the family’s more “private” needs, it’s clear we’re in for a wild, unapologetic ride through upstairs-downstairs chaos.
The plot centers on the Davenport family, teetering on the brink of eviction from their grand estate unless one of their daughters secures a suitable marriage to continue the lineage. Enter Eric Noone, a lovable pickpocket played by Ben Radcliffe, who stumbles into a job at Fackham Hall and sparks a forbidden romance with the bookish Rose Davenport, portrayed by Thomasin McKenzie. Amid wedding disasters, family secrets, and a suspicious murder, the story unfolds like a fever dream of inheritance woes and class clashes. It’s all secondary to the humor, though, as the narrative serves as a mere framework for Carr’s relentless joke machine, packing in visual puns, innuendos, and over-the-top set pieces that keep the 97-minute runtime flying by without a dull moment.
What sets Fackham Hall apart is its affectionate lampooning of the genre it spoofs—think Knives Out’s mystery vibes mixed with Atonement’s dramatic flair, but dialed up to silly extremes. The film doesn’t just poke fun at stiff upper lips and elaborate costumes; it revels in them, turning clichés like hunting parties and forbidden affairs into hilarious extremes. The ensemble cast is a delight, elevating the material with game performances that embrace the absurdity. Damian Lewis shines as the bumbling Lord Davenport, proving he can handle comedy as deftly as drama, his deadpan reactions stealing scenes left and right. Thomasin McKenzie (amazing as always) brings a fresh, wide-eyed innocence to Rose, making her the heart of the film amid the madness, while Ben Radcliffe’s Eric provides a charismatic everyman anchor.
That said, Fackham Hall isn’t without flaws—it starts a tad slowly, with some early gags feeling flat before the momentum builds in the second half. The pacing can overwhelm at times, barraging viewers with so many bits that a few get lost in the shuffle. Those expecting a cutting, satirical edge might find it overly civilized and mild, lacking the bite of edgier comedies.
In the end, Fackham Hall earns its place on the shelf of beloved spoofs, delivering nonstop laughs and proving British humor is alive and kicking.
Screening at the Windsor from February 19.
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