HBO's latest anthology series, War, dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of high-stakes divorce, with the first season centered on a celebrity split that turns into a legal battlefield. The show assembles an impressive cast, led by Dominic West and Sienna Miller, to deliver a story packed with twists and turns. But does this initial case set the stage for a compelling series, or does it get dismissed for lack of substance?
What Is HBO's 'War' About?
Set primarily in London, War chronicles the unraveling of the marriage between Morgan Henderson (West), a tech mogul who built an ethical social media empire, and Carla Duval (Miller), an internationally renowned film star. Their relationship began with Carla as the primary breadwinner while Morgan was finding his footing, but their financial dynamics have since flipped. The marriage crumbles due to Morgan's infidelity, which Carla confirms by orchestrating a "honey trap"—she hires young actress Flora Munroe (Rose Williams) to seduce Morgan and capture photographic evidence.
Carla brings this evidence to her legal team at Taylor & Byrne, who are initially taken aback by the scheme (which courts would frown upon) but ultimately believe it's enough to secure a divorce settlement that bypasses their outdated prenup. Morgan, spotting Carla leaving her lawyers' office, suspects a legal storm is brewing and enlists the Cathcarts firm. Both sides deploy every underhanded tactic imaginable, leaving several pawns caught in the crossfire of this bitter dissolution.
HBO's 'War' Delights in Playing Dirty
There's undeniable entertainment in watching powerful people behave badly, a formula that has fueled many TV hits. War thrives on its ruthlessness, sleek visuals, and a cast that delivers cutting remarks without breaking a sweat. Morgan, for instance, tells his gruff legal advisor St. John Smallwood (Pip Torrens), "I do love it, the way you talk to me with such disdain. So refreshing." Torrens is a delight as Smallwood, who approaches the case like an attack dog, alongside his partner Beatrice "Queen Bea" (Nina Sosanya), a grandstanding presence.
On Carla's side, British acting legend Celia Imrie plays Budgie, a legal doyenne guiding husband-and-wife partners Serena (Phoebe Fox) and Nicholas (James McArdle). Their modern glass offices contrast sharply with the old-school wooden environment of their rivals, visually reinforcing the battle lines. The show excels at keeping viewers oriented, and it delivers some excellent flourishes—like a shocking turn at a movie premiere at the end of Episode 1 that's sure to spark watercooler conversations.
Dominic West and Sienna Miller Make Great Opponents in 'War'
West and Miller embody their roles with style, evoking the aura of real-life celebrity breakups without veering into impersonation. West's Morgan is charismatic and charming, a tech mogul with a sharp business mind but a moral blind spot. He trades barbs with cynical lawyers while his ambition lurks beneath a veneer of pleasantries. Miller's Carla is equally compelling—a woman accustomed to hiding her emotions behind a camera-ready smile. She's more glamorous than her soon-to-be ex, but there's a bruised ferocity to her actions, from setting the trap to performing for her legal team. Both actors shine in their monologues, though the scripts don't give them enough room to fully flesh out their characters.
After a Few Episodes, 'War' Feels a Little Empty
About halfway through, it becomes clear that War prioritizes tactics over people. Morgan and Carla's backstory is never explored in an emotionally engaging way. Supporting characters like Johnny (Archie Renaux), a working-class lawyer manipulated into spying for Morgan's camp, are defined by their achievements or income rather than their feelings. This is a cold world, and after a while, it's hard to find a side to root for.
Most characters have little to recommend them as people, and they seem to relish the relationship's downfall and the chance to score points. The show weaponizes Johnny and Flora, who are almost punished for their working-class backgrounds, without ever passing judgment on that. Similarly, Morgan and Carla's manipulation of their son Gabriel (Aran Murphy) is glossed over—he's dismissed as spoiled by his own mother and earns little sympathy when he acts out.
It's not just that War is reluctant to get under its characters' skin; it's that it doesn't see the point. Anything that isn't a turning point in the case is treated as extraneous, as if the narrative itself is being dictated by the callous lawyers. The show struggles to draw any conclusion beyond the obvious: divorce is messy, painful, and expensive. It's a stylish, entertaining ride, but one that leaves you feeling a bit hollow by the end.
If you're in the mood for more character-driven drama, you might check out this brutal prison drama from TIFF or the heartfelt 'Trespasses'. For a look at another flawed but moving drama, Chase Infiniti shines in 'The Julia Set'. And if you're a fan of period pieces, these flawless period dramas might be more your speed.
