“James Norton at his best”: Why Hampstead is the feel-good film to watch tonight
James Norton may be best known for Happy Valley and Grantchester, but one of his more overlooked films offers a very different side of the actor. Hampstead is a warm romantic comedy-drama set around one of London’s most recognisable green spaces, pairing Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson in an unlikely love story — with Norton appearing as Keaton’s concerned adult son.
Inspired by the real-life story of Hampstead Heath squatter Harry Hallowes, the film follows an American widow whose quiet life takes an unexpected turn after she encounters a solitary Irishman living in a makeshift home on the Heath.
Originally released in the UK in 2017, Hampstead later received its US theatrical release in 2019. It runs for around 1 hour and 43 minutes.
What is Hampstead about?
Diane Keaton plays Emily Walters, an American widow living in Hampstead Village. After the death of her husband, Emily finds herself struggling with her finances and uncertain about what comes next in her life.
Her routine changes when she discovers Donald Horner, played by Brendan Gleeson, living in a rough cabin on Hampstead Heath. Donald has created a secluded life for himself on the land, but that independence is threatened when property developers attempt to remove him.
Emily initially becomes involved because she wants to help Donald protect his home. Before long, however, their unlikely friendship begins to develop into something more.
The film takes its central premise from the story of Harry Hallowes, who lived on Hampstead Heath for years before successfully securing legal ownership of a plot of land there. In 2007, Hallowes was awarded title to approximately half an acre.
Rather than presenting the real story as a straight drama, Hampstead reshapes it into a lighter romantic tale centred on Emily and Donald.
James Norton takes on a very different role
For viewers who know Norton primarily from his more intense television performances, Hampstead offers a gentler change of pace.
He plays Philip, Emily’s adult son, who is understandably concerned about his mother and the increasingly unconventional situation she has become involved in.
The supporting cast also includes Lesley Manville as Fiona, Jason Watkins as James, Simon Callow as the Judge, Phil Davis as Fyfe, Hugh Skinner as Erik and Alistair Petrie as Steve Crowley.
Norton has also spoken fondly of Hampstead Heath itself. In an interview with Time Out, he described himself as a country person who enjoys spending time there, including swimming in the ponds and climbing Parliament Hill.
That connection with the setting makes the film particularly distinctive: much of the story unfolds against the contrast between Hampstead’s polished neighbourhood and the wilder landscape of the Heath.
Who stars in Hampstead?
The main cast includes:
- Diane Keaton as Emily Walters
- Brendan Gleeson as Donald Horner
- James Norton as Philip
- Lesley Manville as Fiona
- Jason Watkins as James
- Simon Callow as the Judge
- Phil Davis as Fyfe
- Peter Singh as Xavier
- Alistair Petrie as Steve Crowley
- Will Smith as Leon Rowlands
- Rosalind Ayres as Susan
- Brian Protheroe as Rory
- Alex Gaumond as Mark Kasdan
- Hugh Skinner as Erik
The film was directed by Joel Hopkins and written by Robert Festinger.
A feel-good story with a real-life foundation
At its heart, Hampstead is about two people from completely different worlds finding an unexpected connection.
Emily lives in a comfortable part of London but is struggling to work out what her future should look like. Donald, meanwhile, has deliberately stepped away from conventional life and wants nothing more than to remain undisturbed in the home he has created.
Their relationship becomes complicated when Donald’s home comes under threat, forcing Emily to confront a world far removed from her own.
Critics have been divided on the film. Some praised the charm of Keaton and Gleeson and the lighter tone, while others felt that its romantic storyline was overly conventional. The Guardian, for example, was critical of the film’s treatment of the real-life story, while the Los Angeles Times highlighted the warmth of its two leads and the supporting performances.
That makes Hampstead less of a traditional prestige drama and more of an easy-going watch — particularly for viewers looking for something warm, funny and undemanding.
Is there a trailer?
Yes. The trailer introduces Emily’s comfortable but increasingly unsettled life before Donald enters it, setting up the unlikely relationship and the battle to protect his home.
Where can you watch Hampstead?
As of August 30, 2026, Hampstead is available to rent or buy digitally in the UK through services including Apple TV Store, Amazon Video and Sky Store. It is not currently listed as having a free streaming option.
More James Norton dramas to watch
If Hampstead leaves you wanting more of Norton, there are several very different performances worth seeking out.
The Trial of Christine Keeler sees him take on a much more serious role as Stephen Ward in the six-part drama about the Profumo Affair. The series examines the scandal that shook British politics in the 1960s.
For something darker and more fantastical, The Nevers places Norton in Victorian London, where he plays Hugo Swann, a wealthy and morally ambiguous figure fascinated by women with unusual abilities. The full series is currently available on ITVX in the UK.
But for viewers who simply want to see Norton in a lighter setting, Hampstead remains an intriguing detour from the darker roles that made him famous — and a reminder of just how varied his screen career has become.