Getting the real story behind obsession with following the money
The financial crash of 2008 and the collapse of Lehman Brothers sent shockwaves around the world. In its wake stood a reportedly reformed banking sector – the perfect climate in which to set a gritty financial thriller.
Based on Guido Maria Brera’s bestselling novel, Sky Atlantic’s 10-part series, Devils, tackles the power struggles taking place at the heart of the financial world.
Devils stars Suburra: Blood On Rome actor Alessandro Borghi, alongside Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey and From Paris With Love’s Kasia Smutniak.
The plot revolves around Borghi’s character Massimo Ruggeri, an Italianborn high-flyer and the head of trading at a fictional investment bank.
“I liked the perspective, it’s different to what we’re used to seeing, certainly here in America,” notes heartthrob Dempsey, 55.
“You see the impact of what happened with the crash from the European perspective, which I thought was really interesting, and how we’ve weaved in real events to help highlight our narrative, which I liked a lot.”
As Massimo finds himself caught up in a scandal involving his wife, a failed artist with a history of substance abuse problems, his US mentor Dominic Morgan, played by Dempsey, abruptly withdraws his support for Massimo’s promotion. Showcasing the repercussions of seemingly small-scale personal crises on the wider banking ecosystem, the series depicts the humans behind the computers and the emotional conflicts they face.
“It was nice to be able to show the characters’ flaws and the vulnerability of people who, from an outside perspective, have it all together,” says Dempsey.
“They have all the power – and they don’t, they’re missing their heart. People deal with grief differently. Some people go into denial, some people go right into it and feel it and I think that’s what we were trying to find.
“It’s very scary, I think, to be an actor and to come in and show that vulnerability, you need the right atmosphere.”
Shot in London and Rome, the nature of the project saw the team hopping across Europe in a bid to capture the required footage.
“The scenes in London were really tough for everybody, especially on the crew,” notes Dempsey.
“We would shoot one day in Rome and then be on the plane that afternoon and be shooting the following day in London, so it was really a tough one for the crew.”
Devils, Sky Atlantic, NOW TV from Wed
UK TRAVEL
Fonab Castle Hotel in Perthshire provides the escapism we could all use. In November 2020, my husband and I booked a three-night stay at the hotel on the shores of Loch Faskally, Pitlochry.
This was to be a few days of relaxation, no alarms or wake up calls, other than the Perthshire dawn chorus, would be required and it is the exact kind of break I cannot wait to repeat when Scotland’s latest lockdown rules are relaxed.
Whilst travel (even locally) in a pandemic can be a little nerve-racking, the hotel managed to strike the perfect balance of safety and escapism. In Fonab’s Brasserie restaurant tables were placed to allow for social distancing between parties but unobtrusively so, meant that you could relax into a utopian pretence at normalcy. The noise of clinking glasses, cutlery and happy conversations provided a soothing balm against Covid and its constraints. Over three evenings we enjoyed a range of locally-sourced dishes, from salmon smoked on site, to hand-dived scallops and, Chateaubriand reared in the Highlands.
On our arrival, a late afternoon check-in allowed us time to unpack, wind down and take in the spectacular autumnal colours on display from our balcony. Fonab is perched right above the Pitlochry Dam on Loch Faskally with a backdrop of towering hills that reach all the way down to the shore.
Arriving in Scotland’s “golden hour” meant the entire area was bathed in a calming light, accompanied with a chorus of chirrups and tweets as the birds prepared to tuck heads under wings for the night. No need for long flights to tropical beaches, relaxation was right on our doorstep.
Our days were easily filled with Perthshire’s own brand of adventure, walking and plenty of it. We explored woods, loch
sides and places of historical interest, debating how far the Soldier’s Leap at Killiecrankie really is
The next day saw us tackle Ben Vrackie, Pitlochry’s towering (841m) Corbett. We were blessed with a perfect autumnal day. Hills, the rivers Garry and Tummel, lochs and trees stretched as far as the eye could see and as we gained height, any built up areas disappeared leaving us surrounded by nature. On the mountain’s north side we could see over ten miles up to Blair Athol and beyond.
Our adventures were perfectly bookended by a little Fonab luxury. Breakfasts at the hotel are not to be rushed. A two-course extravaganza with your choice of various continental options (the decadent lemon curd with thick Greek yoghurt and homemade granola is a must) followed by your choice of cooked breakfast main course. All enjoyed whilst watching the mist rise from Loch Faskally as mini armadas of mallards set sail.
At the other end of the day, we enjoyed the hotel’s roomservice drinks offering.
Wrapped up in a blanket, with a good book, we were able to unwind and watch the sun sink behind the hills, whilst also enjoying a glass of wine. A perfect post-hike way to pass time.
Under 2020’s Scottish, Covidlicensing rules alcohol could be enjoyed inside but only in your room or with a main meal. Whilst future restrictions remain unknown, it is possible that these kinds of rules will reappear to allow the hospitality sector to reopen.
If hills and hikes sound too much like hard work, there is also the opportunity to do very little indeed. Fonab’s pool area and treatment rooms were also open for guest use, at the time, and numbers were restricted to allow for social distancing.
For us, after a day of walking, the Jacuzzi and opportunity to lie by a pool and read was more than welcome.
2020 and its hangover into 2021 may be periods of life that many of us, for a multitude of reasons, will wish to quickly forget. However, Covid and its constraints are likely to have also encouraged us to appreciate what ‘local travel’ opportunities we have and in Scotland that is a lot.
Our luxury staycation may have been a replacement for the beaches of Miami but this was no second best and (bonus!) a short trip back down the A9 resulted in no jet lag or lost luggage (although we did accidentally take our room key).
The past twelve months may not have delivered the travel experiences any of us had planned or hoped for but we live in a country which can deliver luxury and miniadventures, on your doorstep.
Thank you, Scotland!
Factfile
The hotel is a 40-minute drive from Perth and 90 minutes from Glasgow and Edinburgh. See fonabcastlehotel.com
Today is Valentine’s Day and, with love in the air, it’s enough to make us all want to jet off somewhere romantic with our loved ones. While international adventures look unlikely this year, it’s the perfect time to plan for the future. So cosy up with your other half and think about where you would love to go.
Here are some of the most romantic cities in the world...
Paris
The city of love, Paris is as romantic as it gets. With it’s cobbled streets, Montmartre is a charming place to explore handin-hand with your lover. Visiting the Eiffel Tower come dusk is an absolute must, all the more beautiful when its sparkling lights dazzle onlookers for a few
City breaks minutes on the hour – time your romantic moment accordingly.
Bruges
Walking into Bruges is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale.
Cobblestone streets are lined with picturesque buildings that contain boutiques, chocolate shops and eateries. Stroll along the canals and look for the beautiful swans, or take a horsedrawn carriage where you and your significant other can enjoy a tour through the narrow streets and beautiful squares.
Rome
Rome is famously romantic for its opera, ballet and quaint, hidden cafés. Book a visit to the
Teatro dell’opera di Roma, and indulge in local gelato.
The Villa Borghese landscape gardens are a wonderful place to relax with your special someone, while local intimate restaurants abound.
Buenos Aires
The birthplace of tango, the world’s most intimate dance, Buenos Aires is a place of passion.
Visit a colourful area of the city, La Boca , where you can take a tango lesson.
Once you’re all danced out, meander through the city streets to enjoy its beautiful architecture, which spans neoclassical to art nouveau and art deco.
New York
It’s a bustling city, but as you check out the sights, from Times Square to Central Park, it can feel like there are just the two of you.
New York is the place where people find love in the movies and you’ll have a familiar feeling as you explore the city.
Venice
The city’s gondola rides past historic palazzos are hard to beat. Many of these boat rides even include a serenade for you and your lover.
In the evening, find a quiet spot to watch the sun set – the pink-hued sky reflected in the lagoon is a sight to behold.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s beautiful views of the Adriatic sea and its Old World charm will inspire romance as you stroll through the centuries-old white fortress walls lining the cliffs. Simply stunning.
Florence
A trip to Florence is a necessity for fashion or art lovers. Venture to see masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, or the homes of Gucci and Ferragamo.
Visit the Mercato Centrale for souvenirs, and climb the steps to the Duomo’s terrace. Visitors can also ascend Giotto’s Campanile bell tower for the view of the dreamy terracotta-topped cityscape.
San Francisco
Head to the Pacific Heights area to see its iconic Victorian homes, or take a bike ride through Golden Gate Park for the best views of the bridge.
Nearby Napa or Sonoma have some of the very best wineries.
Paris is one of the most popular places in the world for popping the question, with an average of one in 679 proposals taking place at the famous French landmark. Disney’s theme parks in Florida and Paris are also favourites as they are some of the ‘most magical places on Earth’.
The Maldives
OK so it’s not a city, but there is no denying it’s one of the most perfect places in the world for a romantic getaway.
The clear water and white sandy beaches are the ultimate chill out if you like lazy days, sipping cocktails in the sun.
Factfile
Current Covid guidelines mean you must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and leisure purposes.