Howards End

Howards End is Starz’s remarkable miniseries adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic novel from the period 2017-2018. A British-American co-production originally aired as a four-part series on BBC before moving stateside to Starz, this show plunges into the heart of Edwardian England, dissecting its social and class mores with an incisive gaze.

Set in the early 20th century, Howards End presents an atmospheric portrayal of London in a pivotal period of historical transition, tinged by the advent of modernity yet still entrenched in Victorian morality. The series interweaves three families of divergent social status and disparate fortunes – the Schlegels, the Wilcoxes, and the Basts – binding them together through relationships of love, friendship, and social responsibility against the backdrop of the titular Howards End, the much-desired yet mystifying country house.

The Schlegels, representative of the enlightened bourgeoisie, are depicted as liberal intellectuals with progressive ideas about society and women's place within it. This trio of siblings comprises the vibrant and compassionate Margaret, the headstrong and capricious Helen, and the quiet Tibby. It’s primarily through Margaret’s perspective, with her sense of social justice and empathy, that the complexity of the societal dramas unfolds.

The Wilcox family embodies the conservative and pragmatic merchant class, led by patriarch Henry Wilcox, whose practical approach to life marks a stark contrast to the more idealistic perspectives of the Schlegels. His children, Charles, Paul, and Evie, grapple with their place in the shifting social order, even as they conceal emotional vulnerabilities behind their aristocratic façade.

On the other hand, Leonard Bast, a low-income clerk, aspires to transcend his economic constraints and seeks comfort in the arts and literature. His storyline, veering from hopeful romanticism to disillusioned pragmatism, adds gritty realism to the narrative.

Hayley Atwell and Matthew Macfadyen are excellently cast as Margaret Schlegel and Henry Wilcox, respectively, bringing warmth, depth, and intelligence to their roles. Atwell's robust portrayal of a dynamic, compassionate woman driven by morals is both relatable and inspiring, contributing significantly to the narrative’s emotional core. Macfadyen, on the other hand, provides an authoritative performance as a patriarch gripped by tradition.

The vivid rendition of the houses in the series is worth special mention. The camera's lens takes us from the book-filled rooms of Wickham Place, home to the Schlegels in London, to the distant, dreamy countryside of Howards End, the Wilcox family’s rural retreat, reflecting the diverse spheres the characters inhabit.

Unflinchingly, the series explores intricate themes of social class, gender disparity, and familial responsibility, while also delving into the subtleties of personal relationships and the power dynamic inherent in them. The confluence of societal transformation and individual destinies reverberates through the episodes, painting a richer, more nuanced picture of Edwardian England. The narrative elegantly addresses stifling conventions, the tragedy of repression, and the liberating potential of forging one's path.

Aided by Kenneth Lonergan's brilliant script, the series thrives on its potent mix of social commentary, personal drama, and enduring romance. The thoughts and sentiments of the characters, charmingly depicted in Forster's source material, gain a more comprehensive, sympathetic projection on screen under Lonergan's sensitive penmanship. It’s this sharp social insight and emotional depth that helps Howards End navigate its towering literary heritage successfully, bridging the past with the present in a resonant manner.

From the authentic period costuming to the exquisite production design, every detail of the series paints a vivid picture of Edwardian England, colorful and marked by sharp class divide. Layouts and lighting lend each scene a certain texture, accentuating the characters' emotions and establishing a palpable period atmosphere.

In essence, Howards End is an engaging, thought-provoking series, adroitly marrying period charm with contemporary relevance. It manages to stay true to E.M. Forster's novel yet imbues the narrative with fresh relevance, exploring timeless themes with sharp insight and sensitive handling. Rich in character exploration and social commentary, it offers a strikingly real and empathetic lens into the lives and travails of three families hailing from different social strata in the waning years of the Edwardian era.