It's hard to get past an almost sadistic aloofness in the storytelling, and several of Fiennes's flapping plot strands wither on the vine.

This is no better, and no worse, than two hours of particularly posh soap opera.

Not quite the British Magnolia it wants to be, Chromophobia's melting pot plot is too often little more than overheated melodrama. But aided by Damian Lewis's strong turn, it still manages some unexpectedly poignant moments.

A lengthy ensemble piece that's emotionally distant but rarely dull.