Downton Abbey: Review
I’ll assure you, Gentle Reader, that I am a fan who watched every single episode of the ITV/PBS/Prime series and loves these characters. And, if a bit slow to get started, Downton Abbey is an largely enjoyable return to the country house and home and it’s inhabitants.
That’s said, it is an imperfect film that won’t exactly challenge you to grow with the characters through complicated plot or story lines. This film is rather more of a kind servant that wraps you in a warmed bathrobe and hands you a glass of champagne as you lean back and think of England. Better yet, Downton Abbey is like a very handsome, somewhat dull dinner companion: you’ll enjoy looking, but you’ll find yourself a bit bored at times.
Downton Abbey: The Plot
The major plot point driving the action is a royal visit from King George V and Queen Mary. The news throws everyone upstairs and downstairs (and in the village) into a tizzy. Mary finds Barrow, still butling, not quite up to the task of preparing everything to be just so for Their Royal Highnesses, and pulls Carson back in to save the day. There’s an assassination plot, some personal discoveries for Barrow, a royal dinner to cook, marital bliss for some and resignations for others — and lots of gorgeous costumes in between.
What’s especially interesting is that in the two years since we last saw the Crawley family, Mary as Matriarch has really emerged. She’s also a largely solo act as Mr. Talbot is “away in America” for 90% of the film. One feels she runs the house now from top to bottom with Cora and Lord Grantham as live-in relations.
Lady Mary and Henry Talbot at the Royal Ball
Mr. Joseph Molesley comes back to the house to help out and has a cringeworthy yet delightful scene in the dining room that alone is worth the price of admission. for any fan of his awkward brand of service.
Anna is a particular delight in this film, finally coming into her own and out of the endless horrors that befell her and Mr. Bates for 12 years. But never underestimate a couple that’s done time for crimes they didn’t commit when it comes to revenge. She orchestrates some rather complicated comeuppance to the Royal Household servants who are really quite rude and pushy.
The Characters
Ultimately, Downton Abbey is a movie written for three characters: Branson, Edith, and the Abbey itself.
Tom has struggled with complicated romantic plot points since Sybil’s death. And while he seems happy at the end of the series, it was disappointing to see him end up alone. Perhaps fans weren’t ready for him to fall in love again or with a red-headed woman?* We are also introduced to a heretofore unknown cousin, Lady Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton, married to Jim Carter) as the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting with an inheritance that the Dowager wants for Lord Grantham — and a secret. That secret is a lovely maid who takes a shine to TomThey seem a perfect match, and that romantic bow is neatly tied up.
Edith has has a stunning wardrobe, as usual, but spends more than one scene out of her togs and in her underwear. In one, instead of changing into night clothes, she sits with her husband in her taps pants and chats — something we’ve never seen before in Downton Abbey. Meet Sexy Edith. She looks amazing, so more power to her. She’s also done something jolly with her hair again.
And lastly, this is a film for the building. Highclere Castle looks extraordinarily beautiful as usual as stand-in for Downton Abbey. With scenes shot in the golden hour, sunrise, sunset, nighttime — all perfectly framed and full of drone shots — show her in her full beauty, it’s a cinematic setting to say the least. And also great for tourism, I’d wager.
The beautiful film does try to cover too much ground for some characters leaving others to simply wave from the background. All the children are older — and in true British tradition are mostly seen and not hear. While the Dowager Countess and Lady Merton (Mrs. Crawley to those in the know) have some delightful tête-à-têtes and exchange zingers on more than one occasion, Lord Merton is barely more than window dressing. Lady Rose and Lady Rosamund aren’t even mentioned. There’s no way they could have fit in much more without adding 30 more minutes, but it is a bit sad not to see a favorite.
Overall, Downton Abbey is a film that fans will enjoy. The first hour is too slow, and there’s too much crammed into the second. But we don’t mind, do we? We’re here for the Crawleys and the people who care for them. All the loose ends are tied up and we see long-suffering characters finally finding happiness (Barrow).
*With the exception of Gwen Dawson who went to Game of Thrones and died there, red-headed women do not have happy endings on DA: Lavinia Swire, Edna Braithwaite, Ethel Parks, Sarah Bunting.
Director: Michael Engler
Writer: Julian Fellowes
With: Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton
Rated: PG
Run time: 122 minutes
US release date: September 20, 2019
