REVIEW: ‘Downton Abbey,’ the movie
From left, Laura Carmichael stars as Lady Edith, Imelda Staunton as Maud Bagshaw and Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, a Focus Features release. Photo courtesy of Liam Daniel / © 2019 Focus Features, LLC / Provided by press site with permission.
Put simply, Downton Abbey lived up to its top billing as a Masterpiece on PBS.
The British series, which details the ups and downs of the upstairs and downstairs life in an English manor, dominated television for several years. Viewers tuned in to see what would happen to the Crawley family as they weathered many a storm, and several of the characters became beloved favorites of the dedicated fanbase. Speak the words Dowager, Cora, Daisy and Branson to a person, and if a blank face is returned, then that person doesn’t know Downton Abbey.
The TV franchise came to a close a few seasons back, but they got the whole gang back together again for a cinematic adaptation in 2019. The results are mostly exciting, reminding viewers why this show was so magical in the first place. The directing by Michael Engler and the writing by series creator Julian Fellowes are spot-on, rekindling the fires brimming in the hearts of many Crawley enthusiasts. The fact that the movie doesn’t tackle new ground or push the boundary was probably inevitable. This is a safe-bet movie, and that’s perfectly fine for this reviewer (there’s no telling what I would have paid to spend a few more minutes in these characters’ company).
[Read Hollywood Soapbox’s interview with the director of Downton Abbey, Michel Engler.]
This time around, the estate of Downton Abbey, clinging to its final years of British aristocracy, is about to play host to the most aristocratic event possible: a visit from the king and queen of England.
In preparation for the regal visit, the finest experience is planned, and that means Mr. Carson (Jim Carter), the retired butler, is to return to his respectable position in anticipation of the big day. He is joined by his side by Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). Carson’s reemergence quickly sidelines Mr. Barrow (Robert James-Collier), the new butler, but he finds an interesting storyline in the local neighborhood. Barrow has been struggling with being a closeted gay man in a time of great discrimination and repression. In Downton Abbey the movie, he meets a friend, and they decide to go dancing at a local speakeasy-type place where gay men can be themselves for a few minutes. When the police bust open the door, Barrow finds himself with a difficult decision to make.
Mary (Michelle Dockery) is still one of the key focuses of the storyline, she being the eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern). Her new beau, who she married at the end of the TV series, is Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode), but oddly he’s on the outside looking in, hardly appearing in this two-hour drama.
Tom Branson (Allen Leech), the chauffeur turned son-in-law, receives quite a lot do to in this expanded episode. Most of his intrigue lies with a murderous plot against the king and queen by Irish rebels.
Perhaps the character to receive the greatest arc — and that’s saying something because there are a lot of characters in both the series and the film — is Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith). She was a scene-stealer in the episodic version, and she doesn’t lose any of her majesty or wit in the new adaptation.
Able supporting work is turned in by Imelda Staunton, Joanne Froggatt, Laura Carmichael, Raquel Cassidy, Penelope Wilton and Brendan Coyle. Perhaps rising to the top amongst these many members of the family and staff is Kevin Doyle’s comic relief as Mr. Molesley, who sees his fortunes rise and fall like a Ferris wheel.
The great joys of Downton Abbey the movie can also be found in the look and detail of the costumes, cinematography and expansive nature of the estate. On a big screen, they are dynamite images, full of color and grandeur, pomp and circumstance. The characters, more than in the series, sort of bleed into the background amidst the wonder of the British countryside.
For non-fans, the movie is probably a bit confusing and anti-climatic. For those who count themselves as dedicated fans, the movie is a blast and allows the audience two more hours to spend with these beloved creations. Fellowes has crafted a world that is the ultimate of escapist entertainment, and it’s always welcome news to escape once again.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Downton Abbey (2019). Directed by Michael Engler. Written by Julian Fellowes. Starring Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Imelda Staunton, Allen Leech, Robert James-Collier, Penelope Wilton, Jim Carter, Joanne Froggatt, Brendan Coyle, Raquel Cassidy, Kevin Doyle, Lesley Nicol and Sophie McShera. Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes. Rating: 
