HBO's 'War' Offers a Slick, Incendiary Look at London's Elite Law Firms
The new legal drama stars Sienna Miller and Dominic West as feuding exes and a who's who of British talent as their ruthless lawyers.
HBO's new legal drama, "War," debuting October 1, blends the intricate plotting of "The Good Wife" with the high-stakes, seedy glamour of "Industry." Created by George Kay, known for "Lupin" and "Hijack," the series plunges viewers into the cutthroat world of rival London law firms vying for dominance.
The series centers on two opposing legal entities: Cathcarts & Sons, an established firm with a legacy of high-powered dealings, and the newer, sleeker outfit founded by ambitious proteges Nicholas Taylor (James McArdle) and Serena Byrne (Phoebe Fox). Their current battleground involves representing feuding exes Morgan Henderson (Dominic West), a social media mogul, and his movie star wife Carla Duval (Sienna Miller). Cathcarts aims to protect Henderson's prenuptial agreement, while Taylor & Byrne seeks to secure Duval's share of the billion-dollar business her husband founded during their marriage.
Adding a layer of aspiration and class commentary is aspiring attorney Johnny Warren (Archie Renaux), who juggles a demanding restaurant job with attempts to break into the exclusive legal world. His desperation is amplified by his relationship with Bella (Honor Swinton Byrne), who hails from a privileged background and is embarrassed by her boyfriend's lack of connections.
"War" subverts traditional tropes, presenting Morgan and Carla not as simple villains but as characters capable of self-awareness and regret. The narrative's focus expands beyond the celebrity couple's divorce to encompass the fierce competition between the two law firms. HBO and British partner Sky have already commissioned a second season, which will feature Marisa Tomei and Kelly Macdonald as rivals in a defamation case.
The ensemble cast features a strong contingent of British talent. Dominic West and Sienna Miller deliver compelling performances that play with their public personas. However, they are often matched, and sometimes surpassed, by the actors portraying their attorneys. Pip Torrens is particularly notable as the ruthless St. John Smallwood, a formidable figure wielding information like a weapon. Phoebe Fox also stands out as the ambitious Serena Byrne, whose drive is humorously juxtaposed with her pregnancy cravings, a real-life element incorporated into the series by Kay.
The show is characterized by its sharp, witty dialogue, biting class satire, and a luxurious aesthetic that belies the complex, grounded characters. "War" offers a brisk pace and surprising twists, making it an entertaining and sophisticated viewing experience.
"War" premieres Thursday, October 1, on HBO and HBO Max.