A more than satisfying end to love

It’s easy to identify with the feelings of Margaret Schlegel, the independent-minded heroine of Howards End, when she tells stuffily handsome suitor Mr Wilcox, ‘‘you quite take my breath away’’. That’s because this latest, four-part adaptation of EM Forster’s novel is nothing short of breathtaking.

The series - which began last Thursday on SoHo and next screens on Tuesday at 11.30pm, and 5.30pm Wednesday - is adapted for the small screen by Oscar-winning writer Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester by the Sea). The visual equivalent of a meaty and colourful page-turner, it pulls you in gradually. However, by the end of the first hour, you’ll feel thoroughly hooked. Predicament after predicament, twist after turn keep you cozily engaged until the satisfying end.

The drama, set in early-20th century England, is gorgeous to look at, bringing vivid views of the country, city and seaside as well as sumptuous period clothing of remarkable detail. It also delivers a romance that, though restrained, still manages to electrify.

The characters, from the leads to those less prominent, such as Margaret’s eccentric younger brother Tibby (the charmingly British Alex Lawther) and the well-meaning, though humorously flighty Aunt Juley (an adorable Tracey Ullman), are memorable and are brought to life by nuanced performances.

A standout is the radiant Hayley Atwell (pictured, Agent Carter) as the aforementioned Margaret, who is drawn to and repelled by Wilcox (Matthew Macfadyen, Pride and Prejudice)

The free-spirited Margaret finds it difficult to relate to Wilcox’s economic snobbery and practical, rather than personable, approach to life, leaving her constantly at war with her conflicting emotions.

However, orphaned when young and feeling a bit lonely as an adult, even while surrounded by boisterous younger siblings, Margaret welcomes the older man’s companionship and proposal of marriage.

In many ways, she admires him – his confidence, drive and devotion to his late wife Ruth (Julia Ormond), with whom she had developed a friendship before her death.

Less taken with the Wilcox family is her sister, the passionate Helen (Philippa Coulthard), who has taken under her wing the refined, but financially strapped Leonard Bast (Joseph Quinn), and the vulnerable woman he has promised to marry.

Bast finds himself without a position, thanks to an offhand piece of advice about his former place of employment voiced by Wilcox and passed on by the sisters.

When the empathetic Helen brings Bast and ‘‘wife’’ unexpectedly to the Wilcox home to request help for the couple, the visit unlocks a startling secret, leading to a painful rift between the sisters.

Emotions of all sorts ensue. They tumble, thrash and eventually grow peaceful. Ours go through a similar evolution, making us even more invested in this brilliant and, in many ways, contemporary tale. - TNS