Fackham Hall is a new comedy now in theaters. Directed by Jim O’Hanlon, the film features an ensemble cast including Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Katherine Waterston, Emma Laird, Tom Goodman-Hill, Anna Maxwell Martin, Sue Johnston, Tom Felton, and Damian Lewis. The story follows a new porter who unexpectedly falls for the youngest daughter of a prominent English family, all while tensions erupt within the Davenport household as the Lord and Lady grapple with the spectacular implosion of their eldest daughter’s wedding to her caddish cousin.

I can’t remember exactly when, but I recall seeing the trailer for this film months ago. I had never heard of it before—one of those rare moments when a trailer for a completely unfamiliar movie pops up. It looked genuinely hilarious, and I was surprised that I couldn’t find a firm release date at the time. Now that it has finally arrived in theaters, reactions seem somewhat mixed. Even so, I found it to be one of the funniest movies of the year.

Watching Fackham Hall reminded me a lot of my experience with this year’s The Naked Gun—though in this case, I didn’t get to hear an audience laughing along since I screened it digitally. I actually found Fackham Hall funnier than The Naked Gun. Some viewers have said the film spoofs Downton Abbey. I’ve never seen the show or the films myself, but the movie clearly leans into parodying that kind of period-drama aristocracy. It’s not a genre I typically gravitate toward—partly why I’ve never watched Downton Abbey—and maybe that’s why this felt so refreshing and unique to me.

The film is credited to five writers, which can often be a red flag, but here it works surprisingly well. The humor is so seamless and consistent that I assumed it was written by a single person. And let me tell you: between this and The Naked Gun, comedies are back. The dialogue is the film’s greatest strength, delivering sharp, delightful jokes at a steady pace. The cast’s delivery elevates it even further, making the film even funnier than it already is on the page.

Seeing Damian Lewis in the cast was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to watch the film. I’ve been a fan of his since Billions, and considering he left that show for personal reasons, I like to imagine this project may have offered him something lighter during a difficult time. While his role is important to the story, I also appreciate that he’s billed last among an already stacked ensemble—he adds gravitas without overshadowing the other performers.

Thomasin McKenzie is having an underrated year, between this film and her work in The Testament of Ann Lee. Her characters in the two projects couldn’t be more different. I wouldn’t be surprised if she took this role as a chance to do something lighter and funnier after the intensity of Ann Lee. It’s wonderful to see her in a prominent comedic role that really shows off her range. The rest of the ensemble is equally strong, delivering perfectly timed humor and nonstop laughs that had me laughing out loud throughout.

This is the kind of film that rewards multiple viewings. Even on a first watch, you’re likely to catch new details, and the humor is often so unexpected and sharp that it completely blindsides you. While it’s definitely a spoof, it still manages to ground itself with a surprisingly solid story that embraces its own absurdity.

At times, the film reveals key information a bit too casually, offering certain twists without much buildup. One moment in particular is disclosed almost immediately, when a more dramatic reveal might have had greater impact. The film’s humor can also take a while to warm up to. As I’ve said, period dramas aren’t usually my thing, and I don’t expect this film to revolutionize the genre. But what it does prove is that comedies can still make a genuine comeback—and in times as bleak as these, that’s one of the best things we can hope for.

Overall, Fackham Hall is one of the most unique and genuinely funniest films of the year, anchored by a stellar ensemble cast. It won’t reinvent cinema or redefine the spoof genre, but it does offer a refreshing reminder that comedies can make a real comeback. Between this and The Naked Gun, this year shows that spoofs still have plenty of life left in them. I already can’t wait to watch this again.

VERDICT: 4/5 – Great