Dir Celyn Jones: 108 mins.
Hello, cinema lovers! Henry Paget (the very sexy Callum Scott Howells ), a real-life Victorian aristocrat in the 1890s, is called home to become the fifth Marquess of Anglesey. He steps off the boat in his late mother's dress, bedazzled with jewellery. The locals stare in disbelief. His family winces at the arrival of this strange, exotic man.
Henry's butler Gelert (the wonderfully cast Rupert Everett) takes his side and remains a loyal, trusted protector. Henry befriends his wonderfully quirky cousin Lily (Ruby Stokes) and the two marry to free each other from family expectations. The marriage is sexless but warm, but soon trouble arrives in the shape of Nick (Tom Rhys Harries); he arrives, flatters Henry and leads him astray. Henry has poor health, a plotline that runs through the movie. He spends money like there's no tomorrow. In the wings, relatives led by Neville (Louis Hynes) and the scheming Lord Penrhyn (Paul Rhys) start to plot.
Howells works hard, and it shows on screen in a committed but ultimately failed showing. He dances with abandon, showcasing a frankly distractingly beautiful physique. His Henry also sulks a great deal. It's a performance that shows a man slowly becoming more feeble and desperate. He is also arrogant and tragic in equal measure, a tricky balance. However, some of the acting is quite stilted despite Howell's best efforts. Weak narrative choices let him down.
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