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House of Guinness Review 7 Reasons James Norton Shines in Steven Knight’s Netflix Drama

From sizzling performances to Succession-style family rivalries, Steven Knight’s House of Guinness is his most compelling creation since Peaky Blinders.

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House of Guinness Review 2025 – James Norton in Steven Knight’s Best Netflix Drama
James Norton electrifies Netflix’s House of Guinness with power, charisma, and danger.

When Steven Knight announced his new drama House of Guinness, expectations were sky-high. After all, the creator of Peaky Blinders has long been known for blending grit, history, and human complexity. Now streaming on Netflix, House of Guinness doesn’t just meet those expectations—it surpasses them.

Set in Dublin in 1868, the series reimagines the story of the Guinness dynasty. But this is no simple period drama about beer and factories. It’s a high-voltage blend of family rivalry, power struggles, and social unrest—think Succession, but with whiskey barrels, factory smoke, and street battles instead of skyscrapers and boardrooms.

At the heart of the drama is James Norton as Sean Rafferty, a fearsome factory manager who seems less a man and more a force of nature. From the opening scene—where Rafferty exhorts workers to crush a protest before gleefully swinging iron in the streets—his presence dominates. With pheromones practically sizzling off the screen, Norton embodies both seduction and menace.


A World of Fire and Steel

The visuals are spectacular. In one unforgettable sequence, Rafferty strides into a blazing cooperage fire, clad in a swishing coat, while a modern rock soundtrack crashes around him. It’s a moment that captures the show’s daring mix of 19th-century setting and 21st-century swagger.

Yet House of Guinness isn’t just about Rafferty’s raw power. As the story progresses, attention shifts to the Guinness heirs. Following the death of patriarch Benjamin Guinness (a thinly veiled version of the real historical figure, though dramatized for the screen), the family empire is up for grabs.

This is where House of Guinness transforms from Peaky Blinders into Ireland’s own Succession. The Guinness children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Benjamin Jr—each bring ambition, insecurity, and chaos to the table.

House of Guinness Review 2025 – James Norton in Steven Knight’s Best Netflix Drama

The Flawed Heirs of a Brewing Empire

  • Arthur (Anthony Boyle): Ambitious but arrogant, Arthur wants political power to match his fortune. His downfall? His open secret—his homosexuality in a hostile era—makes every move fraught with danger.
  • Edward (Louis Partridge): Pragmatic yet idealistic, Edward seems the most balanced, but his naivety risks sinking him in the cutthroat world of 19th-century business.
  • Anne (Emily Fairn): Intelligent and strong, Anne is overlooked by her family but emerges as the emotional core of the series. Fairn, fresh from her breakout role in The Responder, delivers a captivating performance.
  • Benjamin Jr (Fionn O’Shea): Already lost to drink and gambling, he’s the brother who exposes the rot beneath the gilded Guinness legacy.

These characters aren’t caricatures—they are flesh and blood, full of contradictions. Their weaknesses invite both sympathy and scorn, reminding us that privilege never shields anyone from tragedy.


History Meets Drama

The backdrop of House of Guinness is as compelling as its characters. Less than two decades after the Irish Potato Famine, tensions in Dublin are palpable. Irish cries for freedom rise against the backdrop of Guinness wealth and influence. The show sensitively intertwines these struggles, making the series not only about a family empire but also about a nation on the brink of change.


Norton at His Best

Much will be said about James Norton’s performance—and deservedly so. Known for roles in Happy Valley and Grantchester, Norton has never been more magnetic. His Rafferty is brutal, brilliant, and terrifyingly charismatic. You can’t take your eyes off him, even when you want to.

The chemistry between Norton’s Rafferty and the Guinness siblings crackles, particularly in moments of confrontation where violence and seduction seem to overlap. Critics may well call this Norton’s defining role.


House of Guinness Review 2025 – James Norton in Steven Knight’s Best Netflix Drama

Steven Knight’s Finest Hour

Knight has always excelled at crafting worlds where corruption is as natural as breathing. But with House of Guinness, he has found the perfect formula. Unlike his recent series A Thousand Blows, which revisited crime gangs, this show elevates the template by weaving corporate intrigue into historical drama. It feels both intimate and epic, gritty and glamorous.

Simply put, this may be Knight’s finest creation to date.


Final Verdict

With smarts, heart, and serious sex appeal, House of Guinness is a roaring success. It has the swagger of Peaky Blinders, the psychological warfare of Succession, and the historical richness of The Crown.

Whether you’re drawn in by Norton’s performance, the Guinness family’s power struggles, or the beautifully crafted Dublin setting, this series is irresistible.

For those asking whether House of Guinness is worth streaming: the answer is a resounding yes.

Visit www.DailyGlobalDiary.com for more reviews, insights, and entertainment updates.

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Kamala Harris Drops Unfiltered Truth at Hollywood Summit — “These Motherf***ers Are Crazy”

At the A Day of Unreasonable Conversation summit in Los Angeles, Kamala Harris shocked and inspired with her raw words on America’s political climate, earning a standing ovation from stars like Kerry Washington and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

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Kamala Harris Shocks and Inspires with “These Motherf***ers Are Crazy” Remark at Hollywood Summit
Kamala Harris Shocks and Inspires with “These Motherf***ers Are Crazy” Remark at Hollywood Summit

Kamala Harris, former U.S. Vice President and a central figure in America’s political discourse, brought the house down at A Day of Unreasonable Conversation, an annual Hollywood summit held Monday at The Getty Center in Los Angeles.

As Harris took the stage for a closing session, she didn’t mince words when addressing the current political moment. With characteristic candor and humor, she said what many have been thinking — “These motherf***ers are crazy.”

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The crowd erupted in laughter and applause. It wasn’t just a headline-grabbing line — it was a reflection of the frustration and disbelief shared by many amid today’s turbulent political landscape.

Hosted in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter, the summit brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment, politics, and academia to discuss storytelling, culture, and the power of influence.

Co-chaired by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Greg Berlanti, and Simpson Street producing partners Kerry Washington and Pilar Savone, the one-day event encouraged uncomfortable yet necessary conversations.

“In this moment, when the algorithm really only feeds us what we already believe and fractured media silos us into polarized corners, content matters more than ever,” Washington told the audience of writers, producers, and showrunners.
“Good storytelling doesn’t live in the binary — having the courage to step into that complexity helps us understand each other more deeply.”

Her producing partner Savone added, “Even in Hollywood — especially in Hollywood — we can fall into the trap of hearing only the perspectives that are closest to us. When we do, our stories suffer.”

And the day’s theme of raw, real talk found its perfect punctuation when Harris took the mic. The former VP didn’t shy away from addressing the chaos of modern politics — from disinformation and polarization to the erosion of civil discourse. Her remark — both blunt and brutally honest — struck a chord with the creative community.

Kamala Harris Shocks and Inspires with “These Motherf***ers Are Crazy” Remark at Hollywood Summit


Harris’ comments came during a conversation that spanned topics including leadership, empathy, and the role of media in shaping democracy. “You have to call things what they are,” she said, emphasizing that sugarcoating political realities only deepens the disconnect between leaders and citizens.

The summit featured an impressive lineup of participants: Don Cheadle, Lisa Joy, Mara Brock Akil, Sara Gilbert, W. Kamau Bell, Phil Rosenthal, Jay Shetty, Terry Crews, and creator Jake Shane, among others.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka emceed the event, adding levity and wit to an otherwise introspective day.

This fourth edition of A Day of Unreasonable Conversation aimed to bridge the gap between entertainment and enlightenment — exploring how film, television, and media can foster empathy in an era defined by division.

For Harris, her unfiltered words were a call to courage — not chaos. By pulling back the curtain on political absurdities, she reminded the room that truth still has power, especially when it’s spoken without fear.

Hollywood attendees responded with enthusiasm, many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to praise her authenticity. One user wrote, “Say what you will, but Kamala Harris just said what half the country feels. It’s about time someone in politics spoke like a real human being.”

As the sun set over Los Angeles, the message of the day lingered: storytelling — whether through movies, TV, or politics — remains one of the most potent tools to unite a divided society.

And Kamala Harris, with just one unapologetic sentence, proved that sometimes the truth really does speak louder than decorum.

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Danielle Vasinova to Play Cult Leader’s Mother in ‘The Leader’ — A Chilling Heaven’s Gate Thriller That’s Already Making Hollywood Buzz

Emmy-nominated actress Danielle Vasinova joins Vera Farmiga and Tim Blake Nelson in Michael J. Gallagher’s upcoming film The Leader, based on the real-life Heaven’s Gate tragedy that shocked America.

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Danielle Vasinova Joins Vera Farmiga in Heaven’s Gate Thriller The Leader
Danielle Vasinova joins Vera Farmiga and Tim Blake Nelson in The Leader, a gripping thriller based on the real-life Heaven’s Gate cult tragedy.

Hollywood is abuzz with the latest casting news from Michael J. Gallagher’s upcoming cult thriller The Leader, a film inspired by the terrifying true story of the Heaven’s Gate mass suicide that stunned the world in 1997.

The newest addition to the stellar cast is none other than Danielle Vasinova — an Emmy Award-nominated actress known for her work in The Bay and 1923. Vasinova will portray Louise Applewhite, the mother of cult leader Marshall Herf Applewhite, in what promises to be one of her most emotionally complex roles yet.

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The film also stars Vera Farmiga and Tim Blake Nelson in lead roles, with Gallagher writing and directing the project. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, insiders reveal that The Leader will dive deep into the psychology and manipulation behind the Heaven’s Gate cult — exploring how two ordinary individuals convinced dozens to take part in a mass suicide in hopes of boarding an alien spacecraft trailing the Hale-Bopp comet.

Vasinova, who has roots in both Native American and Czech heritage, has been steadily carving her name into Hollywood’s elite circle. After earning acclaim for her work on the Emmy-winning series The Bay, she made waves again with her appearance in Taylor Sheridan’s 1923, the Yellowstone prequel that expanded the Dutton family saga.

Now, she’s gearing up for her next major collaboration with Sheridan in The Madison, a high-stakes drama set to debut in late 2025 or early 2026. Her versatility and presence continue to make her one of Hollywood’s most promising stars.

Danielle Vasinova Joins Vera Farmiga in Heaven’s Gate Thriller The Leader


“I’m drawn to roles that challenge me emotionally and mentally,” Vasinova said in a recent interview. “Playing Louise Applewhite allows me to explore how love and denial can sometimes blur into tragedy.”

Beyond acting, Vasinova has emerged as a fashion icon. She recently graced the cover of Cowgirl Magazine’s summer issue, styled by photographer Beau Simmons, showcasing her signature Americana-inspired aesthetic. Her upcoming fashion brand, VASINOVA, set to launch later this year, celebrates freedom, authenticity, and timeless style — all of which reflect her personal values and artistic spirit.

As excitement for The Leader grows, film enthusiasts and true-crime fans alike are eager to see how Gallagher’s storytelling will balance the horror of Heaven’s Gate with the humanity of those caught in its orbit. The film aims not just to retell the events but to examine the psychology of belief and the power of persuasion that turned a group of dreamers into followers of a deadly doctrine.

With Farmiga’s haunting ability to embody complex characters, Nelson’s gravitas, and Vasinova’s emotional depth, The Leader is shaping up to be one of the most gripping psychological thrillers of 2026.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have already begun expressing excitement, with one user writing, “Danielle Vasinova is perfect for this role — she brings intensity and empathy in every scene she does.” Another fan added, “This cast is unreal. Heaven’s Gate is one of the most chilling stories in American history, and I can’t wait to see how they bring it to life.”

While The Leader doesn’t yet have an official release date, production is underway, and early reports suggest it could premiere at major film festivals before its theatrical debut. If the buzz is anything to go by, the film could become a major award-season contender — and a defining moment in Danielle Vasinova’s already stellar career.

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Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Set the Floor on Fire on Disney Night — First Couple to Score a 9 on Dancing With the Stars

It was magic on the ballroom floor as Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas brought a ‘Hamilton’-inspired routine that left the judges and audience spellbound, while Hilaria Baldwin said an emotional goodbye.

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Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Earn First Nine on Dancing With the Stars Disney Night
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas bring Broadway magic to Disney Night with their stunning ‘Hamilton’-inspired performance on Dancing With the Stars.

Disney Night returned to Dancing With the Stars with all the sparkle, drama, and magic fans could hope for — and one couple, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, made sure it was a night to remember.

The duo’s Hamilton-themed performance electrified the stage, earning the first nine of the competition and securing their spot at the top of the leaderboard. Their dynamic choreography and flawless chemistry left judges — and the audience — completely captivated.

“Tonight was something special,” Ballas said after their performance. “We wanted to channel the strength, the story, and the rhythm of Hamilton, and we gave it our all.”

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While Leavitt and Ballas celebrated their highest score yet, the night also brought an emotional farewell. Actress and author Hilaria Baldwin, partnered with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, was eliminated after receiving a 23/30 for her Star Wars-inspired quickstep.

“This has been an incredible experience,” Baldwin said tearfully after learning the news. “I’m so grateful to all of you — to my children, my family, and everyone who supported me through this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The elimination came as a shock to many viewers who admired Baldwin’s progress over the past few weeks. “She really improved every week,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Sad to see her go right when she was finding her groove.”

The competition has been heating up, with celebrities such as The Traitors Season 3 winner Dylan Efron (brother of Zac Efron), Olympian Jordan Chiles, and conservationist Robert Irwin bringing strong performances to the ballroom.

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Earn First Nine on Dancing With the Stars Disney Night


Efron kicked off Disney Night with a quickstep to “Life Is a Highway” from Cars. Though many expected him to dance to something from High School Musical — the film franchise that made his brother Zac a global star — Dylan chose to carve his own path on the dance floor. “I have something special planned for next week if I’m still here,” Efron teased during the live broadcast, hinting at a performance possibly dedicated to Zac.

Meanwhile, Pentatonix star Scott Hoying brought fun energy to his salsa routine set to “Bop to the Top” from High School Musical. Judges praised his enthusiasm, saying it captured the joyful spirit of Disney Night perfectly.

Fans online couldn’t stop buzzing about Leavitt and Ballas’ standout performance, with many calling it “Broadway-level brilliance.” “They really embodied the characters — the power, the storytelling, the choreography — everything was on point,” one viewer wrote on social media.

As for next week, the show teased an emotional Dedication Night, where contestants will perform routines inspired by loved ones or meaningful life events. “If you thought Disney Night brought out emotions, wait till you see what’s next,” host Julianne Hough said during the episode.

The competition is getting tougher, and with stars like Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Andy Richter, and Alix Earle still in the running, fans can expect some major showdowns ahead.

As the credits rolled, it was clear — Disney Night wasn’t just a celebration of childhood nostalgia, but a reminder that magic, music, and a little bit of determination can turn the ballroom into a storybook moment.

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