Downton Abbey Review by Brooke Daugherty
October 21, 2019 3:26 pm |
When it was announced Downton was getting a feature length film, I admit I had a fair amount of skepticism, but Julian Fellows’ script was true to form. I have watched every season of Downton and consumed all the media content available on the series, but the last couple season storylines disappointed me. So, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out.
We are reintroduced to the Crawleys in 1927, around two years after the series finale. Similar to the pilot, the opening scene is the delivery of a piece of important mail. It was devastating news of the Downton heir perishing in the Titanic disaster 15 years prior, this time the house receives the good fortune of hosting King George and Queen Mary. Members of the royal household and Downton servants clash downstairs while upstairs continues their string of absurd storylines.
In Downton fashion, the Crawleys and staff face multiple obstacles, all while humanizing and glorifying the aristocracy. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sets, costumes, and characters, but history tells us the upstairs was not as familial with downstairs as Downton shows it to be. Once I overcome suspension of disbelief, I quite enjoyed most of the secondary plots.
After nearly ten years, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael continue to embody the Crowley family. The relationship between Violet Crawley and Isobel endures as one of the best frenemy relationships captured on screen. Of course, their chemistry is partially due to British legends Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton powerhouse performances.
My favorite downstairs storyline was that of Thomas Barrow brilliantly played by Rob James-Collier. Although Barrow has alternated between destructive and pathetic, something about James-Collier’s performance as butler creates a sympathetic character.
I suggest seeing this in a theater near you just for the extravaganza of visuals, which wouldn’t have been as successful without director Michael Engler. He previously directed four episodes of Downton Abbey including the series finale, giving him a real grasp of the tone and cinematography of the series while maintaining interest as a film. For casual fans, I would implore you to see this if it is not out of your way as the experience is much different than watching your television or computer screen.
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Tags: Brooke Daugherty, Downton Abbey 2019, Downton Abbey Movie, pop culture leftovers
Categorised in: Movie Reviews
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