Downton Abbey Film Review: The Upstairs/Downstairs Saga Continues To Delight And Dole Out Drama With Its Theatrical Release

Christmas has come early this year. No, PBS isn’t playing a rerun of the Downton Abbey Christmas Special, it is so much better than that. More than three years after its final episode, British drama, Downton Abbey, returns, but this time to the big screen.

Everything that made the original run great is here in the film and on a larger scale. The series itself already felt like a big production rather than a quaint episodic with its grand setting, lavish costumes, and first-class storytelling. The Crawley family and the estate’s inhabitants are as at home on a movie theater screen as they are at Downton.

Warning: There will be minor spoilers ahead as I gush about what is one of the most delightful film experiences I have had in recent memory.

The movie runs 2 hours and 17 minutes, and at my screening, a woman yells out, “Not long enough!” And I am inclined to agree. The time flies by as you are fully immersed in the story and the lives of these characters.

If it has been a while since you’ve visited the humble castle in Yorkshire, do not fret, there is a lovely refresher of all six seasons before the film led by Phyllis Logan and Jim Carter who play Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson. They take us on this little trip down memory lane with cheeky commentary:

At Downton Abbey, joy and sadness go together like tea and crumpets.

It is a charming way to get reacquainted with the characters and all the complex twists and turns that happened over the course of the series. And it gets you pumped up for the movie you are about to see. Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, elicits a big cheer from the audience during this segment.

The enthusiasm in the theater is palpable.  

I am in love with Downton‘s theme music—it holds the gravitas and drama of the show in every note—and hearing it swell at the opening of the film has me swooning. If the recap doesn’t spark your nostalgia, this just might. Seeing the iconic bells, however, is sure to get even the casual Downton fan excited. 

The memorable hits just keep coming from the Dowager’s biting witticisms to Lady Edith’s sulky moping. The exchanges between Violet and Isobel are as sharp as ever and are some of my favorite moments from the whole movie. 

Violet: Sure you have enough cliches to get you through the visit?
Isobel: If not, I’ll come to you. 

Another highlight is Mr. Molesley fangirling over royalty. Seriously, it is the most precious thing ever. And it’s not just one moment—this unexpected minor subplot is carried through in the best way.

Mr. Molesley: I know I’m going to forget my lines!
Miss Baxter: You haven’t got any lines.

Which brings me to the main storyline. The King and Queen are to visit Downton and it has both the upstairs and the downstairs in a tizzy. It is an ingenious catalyst to kickstart our homecoming to Downton.

We get politics, pomp and circumstance, and fancy dinners with meticulous etiquette that must be followed. The politics angle creates tension among the residents of Downton as well as the staff. There are those who are monarchists and those who are against what the monarchy represents. 

Tom Branson and Daisy are the biggest dissenters and their stance on the matter is well-voiced, giving a nice contrast to those who are thrilled about the visit, most notably Molesley. Carson is practically beside himself over it and is able to return to Downton for the honor.

“Mr. Carson, this is your destiny.”

The series handled multiple storylines and subplots very well. There was rarely a lull or instances of a storyline being stretched out too far or conversely, downplayed. The film achieves this as well.

The royal visit drives most of the plots such as the rivalry between the Downton staff and the crew that travels with the King and Queen. They bring along their own butler, housekeeper, maids, footmen, and even a chef, much to the dismay of the Downton servants and mine, too.

This revolution of sorts led by Anna and Mr. Bates is perfectly executed—both the characters’ plan within the story and through the writing and editing. Even Carson gets in on the fun when initially he wanted no part in any “disloyal tomfoolery.”

Knowing that there are shenanigans going on down below makes the upstairs affairs more dramatic. An air of suspense settles over the house and everything is steeped in amusing intrigue.

To me, this aspect is more interesting than the assassination attempt plot, which is probably meant to be the height of excitement. Although, that bit is carried out effectively and provides a nice slice of action. We know from history that King George V isn’t killed by an assassin so that isn’t the nail-biting proponent, it is how it is thwarted and by whom that ups the tension.

A pleasant surprise that comes along with the royal staff is a love interest for Thomas Barrow. I love everything about this storyline.

Robert James-Collier has portrayed Barrow’s redemptive arc with finesse. He was an excellent villain in the early seasons of the show as well as the contrite figure worthy of the audience’s sympathy. I am glad they give him so much to work with in this film.

And he absolutely nails it.

When he is pressured to step down to allow Carson to lead the staff during the King’s visit, he steps aside instead. “Never thought of him as a man of principle before,” says Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham.

Well, catch up, your Lordship!

Downton’s upstairs echelon also has high levels of drama. Tom Branson has his clashing political views to contend with in the presence of the monarchy as well as his own love interest with the mysterious Lucy Smith. Lady Mary struggles with the day to day operations of the estate and questions her devotion.

And Lady Edith has her usual woes. Her life is not her own and blah blah blah. I actually love that Edith’s story is kind of mundane—it fits with her whole put upon persona that I have come to really enjoy.

In fact, it is quite comforting—not to mention entertaining—in its familiarity, and Laura Carmichael plays Edith with grace, embracing the character for who she is, bland bits and all. It is a throughline from the original run that works remarkably well in this follow-up film.

I revel in all my eye rolls pertaining to Lady Edith.

I would be remiss to not delve into the many layers of the Dowager’s storyline. She is not there just to provide the occasional zinger or to irritate Isobel—although she does that brilliantly—but, additionally, she brings a lot of heart to the story.

It comes as a bit of twist. At first, it seems she is just gunning for Robert to be the heir of her cousin’s legacy, but when she is told why it will not be going to him she is full of compassion and understanding. Violet has this in spades, but she only doles it out in small doses and when it is most needed. 

That’s why her confession to Mary that she doesn’t have much time left is surprising. We get not one but two sentimental moments with Violet. What a blessing.

Dame Maggie Smith is a legend and what she does with the Dowager is nothing short of magnificence. Glib gibes and heartfelt proclamations are delivered with equal aplomb. She can bring a tear to your eye out of laughter just as easily as she can from her subtle display of emotion.

Her range is incredible.

The final exchange between Violet and Mary is so very touching even in their reserved British manner. It calms Mary’s concerns about running Downton and instills in her a confidence and hopefulness that had been fading. Even though it is sad to think of losing her, this torch-passing is sweet, emotional, and not without a dash of that signature Dowager humor.

You’ll be the frightening old lady. […] You’re the best of me.

It feels like everything comes full circle and as Downton Abbey faces a new era, it will stand steadfastly in the heart of its community, bolstered by its past and with hopes for the future.

Stray Observations:

• “The head butler is terribly scary.”
• Excuse you, that’s the King’s Page of the Back Stairs to be precise.
• “I am an expert in every matter.”
• “You’re a treasure, Carson.” He so is.
• Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore getting offended is the best reaction to the royal staff. They are not having it and I am here for that.
• The gasp I let out when Andy sabotages the boiler.
• “You’re a good friend to me, Anna.” Kind of an understatement. She helped move a dead body for you, Lady Mary. Joking aside, this is a sweet moment. “We’re good friends to each other.”
• The exchange between Tom and Princess Mary is fantastic.
• “Feels good to be two ordinary blokes.” Man, I ship it hard, and I am thrilled they get a happy ending.
• Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham is really underutilized. That might be my one disappointment.
• Also, I miss Lily James as Lady Rose.
• Isobel: After all these years, you still astonish me.
  Violet: I’m glad I’m a revelation and not a disappointment.
  These two are best friends, I don’t care what they say.

What did you think of the Downton Abbey film? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Downton Abbey premieres in US theaters September 20th.

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