If you ever needed to be reminded that good actors can still end up in the trash, then Our house is here for your consideration.
This 4-part British drama stars Martin Compston (Policy), Tuppence Middleton (Black Mirror, The Losers) & Rupert Penry-Jones (Ghosts) and is presented as a “gripping story of intrigue, conspiracy and betrayal”.
Tuppence Middleton plays young mother Fi Lawson who returns home to find strangers moving into her stately home. Enraged and confused, she is even more speechless when she discovers that her belongings are gone and replaced by boxes deposited by movers.
“New owner” Lucy (Dinita Gohil) insists she has the paperwork and refuses to budge. But while Fi’s calls to her husband Bram (Martin Compston) go unanswered, viewers are transported into flashbacks of the happy couple moving in and falling apart.
These scenes make up about 50% of the story, becoming more and more detailed around a marriage breakdown and an agreement to “nest” their home for the sake of their children. This sees each agreeing to rotate parenthood at home and live elsewhere for alternative periods.
Flashback scenes are juxtaposed with the present where Fi is still arguing with Lucy over rightful ownership – the latter scene also extends into the second episode which is a hellish suspension of real time for the viewer.
The various twists add to the melodrama but not in a good way. Added to this are some weak performances due to the supporting cast and reported plot moves.
It’s a shame because aside from a few notable actors the premise itself, adapted from a novel by Louise Candlish, is quite entertaining. But it feels like it should be an episode of a mystery anthology rather than this hauled-out slag.
Check your brain at the door and be prepared for silly melodrama if you rent this one.
8.30pm Wednesday on BBC First.
