Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language and sex references in period drama satire.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Fackham Hall
What's the Story?
In FACKHAM HALL, the Davenport family have lived in their stately home for generations, but after the death of all four sons, their future relies on the marriage of one of their daughters to lock down a male heir. When Poppy (Emma Laird) leaves her caddish cousin Archibald (Tom Felton) at the altar, all eyes are on Rose (Thomasin McKenzie) to secure the family's future. Little do her parents (Katherine Waterston and Damian Lewis) know that Rose's eye has already been turned by a charming new member of staff (Ben Radcliffe).
Is It Any Good?
Better known for stand-up and panel shows, British-Irish comedian Jimmy Carr has co-written an impressive debut feature film that sends up the costume drama genre in a very British way. Fackham Hall (say it quickly and the first joke's already there) is packed with risqué comedy from the get-go and doesn't let up until the final credits roll. From crude toilet humor to full-on farce and playful references to the likes of Alexa and Siri, there's never a dull moment—though it risks bombarding viewers from every obvious angle at times. The story itself is a fairly run-of-the-mill tale of forbidden love between class divides, but it only really serves as the vessel here. Settings and costumes are all in-keeping, but never steal the show, and the strong cast deliver—with Lewis in particular making for a likably ridiculous Lord Davenport, and McKenzie and Radcliffe perfectly cast as the star-crossed lovers at the center of things. It's easy-watching, and certainly not highbrow, but fans of the genre or Carr's brand of comedy will almost certainly find something to like.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Fackham Hall as a satire. How did it use cliches specific to the costume drama genre in a knowing way? What other types of humor did you notice? Can you think of any other movies that you'd describe as being satire? How would you describe what satire means?
What aspect of the characters' lives were influenced by class and gender? How did some of them push against those constraints?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How did the movie compare to other costume dramas you've seen? Did it encourage you to watch more of the genre? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 5, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : December 26, 2025
- Cast : Thomasin McKenzie , Ben Radcliffe , Tom Felton , Damian Lewis
- Director : Jim O'Hanlon
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street Media
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual content, language and violence
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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