Spoiler alert: I have never seen a single episode of Downton Abbey. This is my introduction to this world as a whole, and honestly, I couldn’t think of a better place to start.
For fans of the series, first things first: You will not be disappointed. I know that this movie will be to longtime fans what Avengers: Endgame was to those who love the MCU.
I can’t claim that I know all the characters. I think you need a Venn diagram to connect them all, but here goes.
The movie takes place after the series has ended and it’s 1927. The elaborate mansion known as Downton Abbey is still run by Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his American-born wife, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern). Of course, all of their servants still reside doing their domestic activities and there’s too many of them to name except for one standout, cook Beryl Patmore (Lesley Nicol).
Downton Abbey gets a notice that the King and Queen (Simon Jones and Geraldine James) are coming for a visit and they’re expecting everyone there to do their best to ensure a memorable stay. And, boy, does it turn out to be memorable.
The servants are up in arms due to the fact that the Royal Family is bringing their own staff to cook, but they won’t have any of it. “So is this a revolution?” asks one staff member.
Perhaps the most enjoyable character translated from the series to the film is Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley. Fans of the show will be delighted that she brings her spunky presence especially with quips like “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit” and “I’m glad I’m a revelation instead of a disappointment.”
Again, as someone who has never seen an episode, I had to do a very quick crash course, but even with that, I still couldn’t keep up with some of the characters and their circumstances, but at a certain point, I gave up and allowed myself to enjoy the ride.
The performances are all spirited, the plot points all offer depth and intrigue, and the production design is virtually immaculate. This should easily score Oscar nominations for Production and Costume Design and it’ll be an upset if it doesn’t.
Will this inspire me to go finally watch the TV show? Perhaps. Will it make my list of the year’s best films? Absolutely.
Grade: A
(Rated PG for thematic elements, some suggestive material, and language.)
