Fans of The Other Bennet Sister won’t be able to stop watching Netflix period drama
Howard’s End is a BAFTA-nominated BBC mini-series starring Hayley Atwell and Matthew Macfadyen that explores Victorian class divisions and family drama — now streaming on Netflix
Fans of The Other Bennet Sister will relish a “sparkling” mini-series, which also takes a look at class divides and family tensions in Victorian England.
Howards End, adapted from E. M Forster’s novel, shows England through three distinct households – the affluent Wilcoxes, the compassionate Schlegels and the struggling lower-middle class Basts.
Multiple versions of Howards End have been produced, particularly the acclaimed 1992 film featuring Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham-Carter and Anthony Hopkins.
The latest interpretation transformed the source material into a television series, originally broadcast in 2017 on the BBC, mad eup of four episodes. Sisters Margaret (Hayley Atwell) and Helen Schlegel (Philippa Coulthard) develop a friendship with the prosperous and traditional Wilcox household.
Margaret establishes a deep connection with Ruth Wilcox, proprietor of the family estate at the titular Howards End. On her deathbed, Ruth takes action that sends shockwaves through the Wilcox clan, particularly affecting her son Henry (Matthew McFayden), reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Simultaneously, the Schlegel sisters attempt to help Leonard Bast, a financially strained lower-class clerk. Romance, pregnancy and mortality converge towards a powerful conclusion culminating in an astonishing revelation.
One admirer praised the cast’s “sparkling” portrayals, writing on IMDb: “Matthew McFayden and Hayley Atwell just lit up the screen… I thought perhaps the glory days of BBC Sunday night costume dramas had passed, but their performances here were wonderful, the control and command of the dialogue was exquisite. A delight.”
One viewer said: “The story was interesting and I could not guess the ending. I loved the characters and how they changed over the course of the series. They learned and evolved. I loved the acting, photography, music and details about live in England and the different classes of people. Thoroughly enjoyable! I am sad its over and will now need to find a new program to watch!”.
The 2017 production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Julia Ormond, Joseph Quinn, Alex Lawther, Tracey Ullman, Rosalind Eleazar, Jonah Hauer-King, Joe Bannister, Sandra Voe and Miles Jupp.
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, one reviewer wrote: “This transportation me to a place that was very charming. I loved the story, the actors, the costumes and sets. All the hair and makeup was understated and elegant. I loved it.”
Another viewer noted: “Hayley Atwell gives, yet again, a brilliant performance, along with Matthew MacFadyen. It is wonderfully written and directed and it feels energetic and dynamic through most of it.”
The series received a BAFTA nomination for best mini series in 2018, while Atwell was also shortlisted for best actress at the Broadcasting Press Guild awards.
Howard’s End is streaming now on Netflix.
