HBO's 'War': Sienna Miller and Dominic West in a 'Massive Fun' Divorce Drama

HBO is premiering 'War,' a new drama series created by George Kay that promises an intriguing escape. Starring Sienna Miller and Dominic West, the series tracks a tumultuous divorce between two wealthy public figures. While the subject matter is heavy, The Guardian's review describes it as 'massive, massive fun' and 'the perfect brilliant piece of balderdash' for current times.

The show, already generating buzz, arrives as a distinctive offering in the television landscape. George Kay, known for works like 'Hijack,' returns with a story that, according to critics, is packed with money, class warfare, sex, and lawyers who will stop at nothing. It's described as a kind of balm for daily stress, a high-stakes drama that doesn't require emotional investment to enjoy.

A Star-Studded Cast in the Eye of the Storm

Dominic West plays Morgan Henderson, a social media mogul known for his philandering. For The Guardian, West seems almost to manifest in these roles of 'wealthy cad,' and his agent is surely delighted. Sienna Miller, meanwhile, embodies Carla Duval, a film star wife who, after ten years of marriage, decides to end the relationship.

Carla, defying her lawyers' advice, finds a legally and morally gray way to gain leverage over Morgan. This involves a friend willing to do her a favor and her own husband, setting the stage for an explosive conflict. West and Miller's performances are described as 'venal but just likable enough' to keep audience interest, even if they don't demand sympathy.

The Plot: A High-Stakes Divorce with Many Questions

'War' delves into the complexities of a divorce involving a prenuptial agreement. This initial agreement states that each party walks away with the assets they brought into the marriage. But this becomes a problem for Carla, whose earnings have recently plummeted. Here's where the 'but' comes in: prenups can be set aside if there has been a significant change in circumstances.

What constitutes a significant change? Morgan has become a squillionaire and the beloved stepfather of Carla's son, Gabriel (played by Aran Murphy). That should be enough for an argument. But what would be a reasonable settlement in this situation? Millions? A Manhattan apartment? A monthly stipend? The series navigates these questions, adding layers of intrigue at every turn.

The Lawyer Games and Class Warfare

The series presents a stark contrast between the legal teams representing Morgan and Carla. Morgan retains Cathcarts & Sons, an old-school firm with oak-paneled offices. There, Pip Torrens stands out as the scheming St John Smallwood, always looking for opponents' weaknesses.

Carla, on the other hand, opts for Taylor & Byrne, a younger, shinier firm with chrome and glass offices. It was recently created by married couple Serena (Phoebe Fox) and Nick (James McArdle). They are joined by Johnny (Archie Renaux), a new recruit with a mysterious past at a prestigious US firm. This dynamic between old and new, tradition and audacity, adds a 'class warfare' dimension to the legal proceedings.

The lawyers strategize in seven dimensions, anticipating every move from the opposing side. They ponder whether to worry more about the case itself, having the better lawyers, or the better press. The series is full of back-stabbing, double-crossings, and last-minute averting of disaster, making it a 'massive, massive fun' experience with a 'ripped-from-the-headlines feel' of real life, according to The Guardian.

Why it matters

'War' offers an entertaining and unflinching look at elite dramas, with clever writing and strong performances. It's the kind of show that, despite its serious subject matter, manages to be a much-needed respite. It invites us to disconnect from reality with a well-produced drama, full of twists and turns, and a touch of dark humor about money, power, and human relationships at their worst.