When you think of James Norton’s best dramas, what do you think of first? Happy Valley? Grantchester? What about Hampstead? While some people might not have even heard of the latter, the beyond brilliant drama about a widow who falls for a gruff Irish man living in a self-built cabin on Hampstead Heath, is a prime example of James Norton at his best – and the good new is, you can stream it tonight.

The drama, which was first released in 2019, is loosely inspired by the true story of Harry Hallowes, who lives on Hampstead Heath for almost 20 years and eventually claimed ownership of a small plot. In the film, the story adds another emotional layer, with squatter Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson) finding late-life love with widow and mother to grown-up son Philip (James Norton), Emily Walters (Diane Keaton).

Intrigued? Before you tune in, here’s everything you need to know about Hampstead, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.

What is Hampstead about?

diane keaton as emily walters and brendan gleeson as donald horner an american widow finds unexpected love with a man living wild on hampstead heath when they take on the developers who want to destroy his home.
Ecosse/Entertainment One/Kobal/Shutterstock

Inspired by true events, the heartwarming film introduces us to American widow, Emily Walters (Diane Keaton) who, having grown weary of her day-to-day life, sets out to find some more excitement. And that she certainly does.

One day, when out exploring the area surrounding her home in Hampstead Village, she meets Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson), a gruff Irish loner who lives off-grid in his own private "paradise" on the Heath. When his home is threatened by greedy developers, Emily thinks she has might have found her new purpose – and romantic interest.

brendan gleeson as donald horner and diane keaton as emily walters an american widow finds unexpected love with a man living wild on hampstead heath when they take on the developers who want to destroy his home.
Ecosse/Entertainment One/Kobal/Shutterstock

It’s a charming and funny film, which also stars James Norton as Emily’s concerned son, Philip, and Lesley Manville as busybody neighbour Fiona. For James, filming was an opportunity to spend time in a place he already had a love for. He told Time Out: “I’m a country boy and I crave the countryside, so I go to the Heath a lot, I swim in the ponds and I climb Parliament Hill.

“I think that’s the closest you can get in London to true ruggedness, even if it’s still pretty tame.”

Who’s in the cast of Hampstead?

The cast of Hampstead includes:

  • Diane Keaton (Father of the Bride)as Emily
  • Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges) as Donald
  • James Norton (Mr Jones) as Philip
  • Lesley Manville (Citadel) as Fiona
  • Jason Watkins (The Game) as James
  • Simon Callow (A Room with a View) as The Judge
  • Phil Davis (Whitechapel) as Fyfe
  • Peter Singh (Hard Cell) as Xavier
  • Alistair Petrie (The Cursed) as Steve Crowley
  • Will Smith (Slow Horses) as Leon Rowlands
  • Rosalind Ayres (Beautiful People) as Susan
  • Brian Protheroe (First Dates) as Rory
  • Alex Gaumond (The Madame Blanc Mysteries) as Mark Kasdan
  • Hugh Skinner (Two Weeks in August) as Erik

Is there a trailer for Hampstead?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for Hampstead below.

Is Hampstead any good?

diane keaton as emily walters and brendan gleeson as donald horner an american widow finds unexpected love with a man living wild on hampstead heath when they take on the developers who want to destroy his home.
N Wall/Entertainment One/Kobal/Shutterstock

Yes – it’s a genuinely feel-good film that reminds us that love can be found in the most unexpected places. While it’s a heartwarming watch (there’s definitely nothing too surprising about it!), there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout and scenarios that will feel relatable to all generations. And if none of that appeals? The combined performances of James Norton, Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson are well worth tuning in for, if nothing else.

How can I watch Hampstead?

You can watch Hampstead now on Apple TV, Prime Video or YouTube.

What other James Norton dramas can I watch now?

the trial of christine keeler
BBC

If you enjoy a drama rooted in real-life, we’d recommend The Trial of Christine Keeler. The story of the Profumo Affair stars James as a society osteopath – and scapegoat of sorts - and it’s available to watch now on Prime Video. For period drama fans, we’d suggest The Nevers. The drama is set in Victorian London and follows a group of women known as the Touched, who have "unusual" abilities. James is the charming, morally ambiguous, wealthy aristocrat who's fascinated by them - but he also wants to exploit them for a profit. The Nevers is available to watch on ITVX.