The Party review – this pacey, perfectly cast thriller is enormous fun. Imagine attending a lavish party in a country pile filled with posh Tory MPs, while massively pregnant and unable to drink. Now imagine the theme is "Victorian freak show" because the hostess thought it would be a riot. That's the predicament Lucy Gilmour (Sarah Solemani) faces in the opening of The Party, Solemani's adaptation of Elizabeth Day's 2017 bestseller.
A Thrilling Premise
When a gun goes off, you might think it's an improvement. At least the circus troupe will likely stop performing, and even posh people have to stop conga-ing to 80s hits once the police arrive. Like most of us, Lucy might be tempted to fire the gun herself. But this is a five-part thriller, so instead of shooting out a chandelier and going home with a packet of Hobnobs, we get a lavishly constructed millefeuille of gloriously hateful characters, flashbacks, youthful mistakes, betrayals, skulduggery, cocaine, sexual assault, class resentment, homosexuality, eating disorders, and Douglas Hodge as a bloated paterfamilias in 1990s flashbacks.
Perfectly Cast and Pacey
The series is perfectly cast, with each actor bringing depth to their flawed characters. Sarah Solemani shines as Lucy, capturing both vulnerability and strength. The pacing is relentless, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that demands you watch the next. The flashbacks are seamlessly woven, revealing secrets that keep you guessing until the end.
Key Takeaways
- Gripping Plot: A murder mystery that twists and turns, keeping viewers on edge.
- Stellar Cast: Sarah Solemani leads a talented ensemble in this adaptation.
- Social Commentary: Explores class, power, and privilege with sharp wit.
Comparison with Other Thrillers
| Show | Pace | Cast | Social Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Party | Fast-paced | Perfectly cast | Sharp class critique |
| Big Little Lies | Moderate | Star-studded | Suburban secrets |
| The Undoing | Slow burn | Strong leads | Privilege and deceit |
Why You Should Watch
If you enjoy thrillers that blend dark humor with social commentary, The Party is for you. It's a wild ride from start to finish, with characters you love to hate and a plot that keeps you guessing. The series also delves into timely issues like class inequality and sexual misconduct, making it more than just entertainment.
FAQ
What is The Party about?
The Party follows Lucy Gilmour, a pregnant woman attending a lavish party that turns into a murder mystery. It's based on Elizabeth Day's novel.

Who stars in The Party?
Sarah Solemani stars as Lucy Gilmour, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Douglas Hodge.
Is The Party based on a book?
Yes, it's an adaptation of Elizabeth Day's 2017 bestseller of the same name.