Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale marks the end of an era. An era filled with exquisite dinners, riveting tea sessions, glittering balls, innumerable costume changes, and unforgettable characters that have accompanied fans for nearly two decades. While it's sad to realize this is the last time we will see the Crawleys and their long-time loyal help, friends, and allies strolling the majestic Downton Abbey halls, it's still going to be a while before anyone forgets what we experienced as an audience after accompanying them on this journey for so long.
The original Downton Abbey series aired for six seasons on PBS from 2010 to 2015, meeting with critical acclaim from critics and fans who applauded it for its unmatched humour, engaging narratives, and heartbreaking twists. Two films followed the series: Downton Abbey in 2019 and Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2022, both of which received rave reviews, as they retained the elements that had propelled the series to not only international recognition but also the hearts of fans.
Another change at Downton Abbey
The film begins with the Crawleys having to once again adapt to the times changing in various ways, from an economic perspective, as the stock market has forced the world into a halt; from a familial perspective, as both Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) have lost their mothers, and Mary (Michelle Dockery) is now divorced from her former husband, Henry Talbot (previously portrayed by Matthew Goode); and even from a downstairs one, as changes and retirements are running amok the Downton service crew.
Cora is visited by her American brother, Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti), who is accompanied by Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), an American financier who helped Harold during the Wall Street Crash. However, Harold informs Cora that he's out of money after swindling their funds, which shocks the Crawleys, as they had hoped to use the Levinson fortune to restore Downton to its previous glory.
However, Harold and Gus propose to the Crawleys that they invest Downton's assets in a high-risk/high-reward plan, allowing all of them to achieve their goals. The Crawley family turns to each other to figure out their next steps, as Robert had hoped to move to his mother's former home, the Dowager House, alongside Cora, and to leave Mary to run the estate for her son, George Crawley, who would one day inherit it.
Meanwhile, Mary is facing societal backlash due to her divorce and is now being shunned even in public for being perceived as too risqué. Mary finds comfort and attraction in Gus, and it's implied that they begin a physical relationship. Nonetheless, the headstrong, fearless, and no-nonsense Mary we all know and love arises from the ashes amidst the rumours and pointed fingers around her, as she has gone through so much trauma before that not even the conservative and judgmental society of her time will stop her from her destiny.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is whimsical and ethereal
Throughout the film, we also get to see other beloved characters go through their respective turnarounds, including the return of Thomas Barrow (Rob James Collier), who now works for Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and with whom is in a relationship with as well; Anna and John Bates (Joanne Frogatt and Brendan Coyle) who are expecting their second child; and Daisy and Andrew (Sophie McShera and Michael Fox) who are set to become the new head cook and butler, respectively, of Downton Abbey.
The movie has a whimsical, ethereal, and almost yearning feel, as each scene feels like a callback to the whole journey, while it also sends our hearts galloping at the thought that this might be each character's last shot on the screen. The late Dame Maggie Smith, who iconically previously played the sharp-tongued Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, is highly missed, as well as her witty comebacks and hilarious banter with Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton). Her imposing portrait, which was previously hung on Downton's walls, looks out at her family as they try to navigate the treacherous waters ahead.
Written by Julian Fellowes, who is also the creator of the Downton Abbey series, the movie is a chef's kiss when it comes to bringing closure to this epic historical saga, as it ties up some previous loose ends and ensures that every second on screen counts. Other memorable characters also return, including Edith Crawley (Laura Carmichael), Tom Branson (Allen Leech), Charlie Carson (Jim Carter), Beryl Pattmore (Lesley Nicole), Elsie Hughes (Phyllis Logan), and Joseph Molesley (Kevin Doyle), to name a few. Molesley's arc is particularly amusing as he is now a full-time screenwriter, but somehow, can't disregard his past as a footman.
All in all, this film is a must for Downton Abbey fans, as it's the bow on the present of this beloved chronicle. It's not always easy to say goodbye to a story, particularly one that has brought its audience so many laughs, tears, joys, and heartbreaks throughout its history. Still, it is less painful to do so when we see our favourite characters in such capable hands. Adieu, Downton Abbey, we will never forget you.