British period dramas often expose the curious and out-dated social rituals of the class system and that makes them ideal targets for parody. Fackham Hall is a film that deliberately sets out to mock both the genre and the aristocracy itself.
The film follows Rose Davenport (Thomasin McKenzie) the daughter of a wealthy Lord who falls for a down-at-heel orphan. Meanwhile her sister Poppy (Emma Laird) is engaged to her cousin Archibald (Tom Felton) despite having doubts about the match. If she backs out, Archibald will inherit the estate. A murder in the manor places everyone rom the downstairs staff to the entire dysfunctional Davenport dynasty under suspicion.
In terms of style, the film is well shot and the sets and costumes perfectly suit the era of early 1930s England. Obvious references to Downton Abbey and an evocation of an Agatha Christie style murder mystery gives the film a familiar and reassuring sensibility.
The humour itself swings between slapstick, innuendo, and relentless pun-based jokes. While a few jokes work, most of the asides and punchlines inspire eye rolls and groans rather than genuine laughter. The script leans so heavily on puns, sometimes several in a single exchange, the impact of them wears thin and dilutes dramatic and emotional moments.
Much of the problem lies in delivery. Characters often seem aware they are performing jokes rather than responses that are authentic.
The experienced cast does what it can with the material and indeed Thomasin McKenzie and Ben Radcliffe, as the two main characters, do manage to balance the slapstick with some genuine emotional moments. Tom Felton gives a measured performance so that any humorous line he delivers feels absolutely genuine for his character.
Elsewhere, dialogue doesn’t always fit with character. A case in point is Great Aunt Bonaparte (Sue Johnston), a regal looking woman who at one point uses urban street talk when discussing people. The moment feels jarringly out of place, which considering Johnston’s acting pedigree, is a shame.
Fackham Hall is entertaining but its emphasis on puns dilutes what could be a sharp and dramatic satire.
FACKHAM HALL
Starring: Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Katherine Waterston, Emma Laird, Tomm Goodman-Hill, Anna Maxwell Martin, Sue Johnston, Tom Felton, Damian Lewis
Directed by: Jim O’Hanlon
Duration: 97 minutes
In New Zealand cinemas 19 February 2026