Quick Review: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey (2019) was a joyful experience with old friends and familiar places.

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The Downton Abbey series (2010 — 2015) will always hold a special place in my heart and their newest feature film is a safe addition to the British canon. It's a series that gave me much delight when watching it and I've experienced that same delight in their recent picture. Here, we got to see our old friends like Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), Charles Carson (Jim Carter), John Bates (Brendan Coyle), Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), Joseph Molesley (Kevin Doyle), Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt), Phyllis Baxter (Raquel Cassidy), Andy Parker (Michael C. Fox), Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier), Tom Branson (Allen Leech), Elsie Hughes (Phyllis Logan), Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern), Beryl Patmore (Lesley Nicol), Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith), Daisy Mason (Sophie McShera), Isobel, Lady Merton (Penelope Wilton), Bertie Pelham (Harry Hadden-Paton), and Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode).

The actors all excel in their character roles as we travel with them down pass memories and new beginnings. The film follows the continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century, and their royal visit from the King and Queen of England. Like an extended episode — nothing too drastic happens throughout. There are some small plot-lines of scandal, romance, and family drama all nicely resolved by the ending credits. Because this is Downton Abbey and everyone knows that all great things come out from Downton. It's a safe picture to warm our palate with vivid costumes, enchanting set designs, and a soothing score (bells ringing). Downton fans will rejoice that they finally got to see some of their favorite people up on the big screen. What more could you ask for? Cheers to this lavishing period drama of British authenticity and sweet ingredients.

Henry Talbot: "Leave Downton? We're stuck with it, aren't we?"

Lady Mary: "Yes. Yes, I believe we are."

Directed by Michael Engler

Created by Julian Fellowes (Original Series)

Starring Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Raquel Cassidy, Michael C. Fox, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Sophie McShera, Penelope Wilton, Harry Hadden-Paton, Matthew Goode, Imelda Staunton, Geraldine James, Simon Jones, Kate Phillips, and Tuppence Middleton.