CHOCK-FULL of some of Britain's finest (Kristen Scott Thomas, Ralph Fiennes, Rhys Ifans to name just half) plus the inimitable Penelope Cruz, this was always going to be a classy affair.

Set in the moral vacuum that is London society, we follow a wealthy but flawed family, and those linked to them, as their lives start to slowly unravel.

Slowly is the word, as the pace never really picks up, making it difficult to warm to any of the characters - even Ifans' big-hearted social worker couldn't induce any tears.

Nevertheless, the drama manages to work up to an ably written crescendo, and the stylish settings and deep moral ambiguities ensure a pleasing watch.