Downton Abbey (2019)

★★★

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The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century.

Classification: PG

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In these modern times of Britain's political and social turmoil, an escapist fantasy back to the "good old days" of the aristocratic rule may not exactly be what's needed in this cultural climate, however, Julian Fellowes script brings his iconic television series to the silver screen with such spectacular fashion it can't be seen as anything less than a celebration of British culture. With a large collection of subplots weaving between the upstairs and downstairs of Downton Abbey, the film has no shortage of moments to entertain returning fans and curious newcomers. The impeccable production and costume design immerse the audience back into the world with ease as this feature adaptation remains faithful to the show even with its more absurd subplots. The narrative of Downton Abbey is given the structural backbone of a royal visit from King George V and Queen Mary but its the overabundance of smaller storylines and the need to make sure every member of the ensemble gets their moment that makes the overall story feel threadbare and inconsequential. The most exciting storyline concludes within the first hour simply because fifteen more that need to continue, it's still an enjoyable film full of crowd-pleasing moments but it does make Downton Abbey feel like a greatest hits revival rather than a necessary continuation to the story.

Fellowes's script, however, balances all these storylines effortlessly as going from character to character, the only odd ones out being the storylines concerning Mr Barrow and Mr Branson. Barrow's because it takes him away from the action of Downton's royal visit but it does allow Rob James-Collier to explore a deeper emotional intimacy with his character, Branson's storyline does keep him involved in Downton's affairs but may fall victim to the desire to make Downton Abbey more cinematic with action and romance. Even with the structural faults, their storylines are still very enjoyable because they allow the film to highlight the more prejudiced nature of elder British society. Fellowes may have all the pomp and circumstance for a royal visit and British elite but both he and director Michael Engler know that this period shouldn't be romanticised all the way but will still give his storylines a happier ending than history would have intended. It does enough to inject some realism into the fantasy but not enough to have Downton Abbey be nothing more than a nostalgic dance back to fond memories to the good times of the show and the historical era.

Perhaps if more focus was put into the storylines concerning Downton's future or if there were a better symbiosis between these subplots to create the grander narrative than the film would have a greater emotional effect beyond nostalgia. Despite everything happening in the film, it does feel that some of the cast are left to the side in favour of others, Hugh Bonneville the ensemble lead is merely a passive player in the storylines, Brendan Coyle a main focal point of the series is too passed to the side. The female leads aren't forgotten however with Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Lesley Nicol, and of course, the great Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess all contribute the comedy and drama of Downton Abbey effortlessly. Considering the number of plates Engler has spinning throughout the film, only one or two characters being sidelined is impressive. The cast is the heart of Downton Abbey and the film is no exception as the new additions are seamless in connecting into the world, Imelda Staunton's formidable Lady Bagshaw is a worthy sparring partner for Maggie Smith and allows Fellowes to indulge in his magnificent skill for wordplay. There are too many storylines to comment on but each one is given a sweet conclusion that furthers the films intended feel-good vibe, nothing overly dramatic or heinous. Whether or not Fellowes intends for Downton Abbey to continue on the big screen remains to be seen but these actors do justice to the characters they love so much.

Downton Abbey is a contender for one of the feel-good films of the fall as Engler and Fellows wish for it to operate as a celebration for all that loved it. No shot better exemplifies this than the returning Mr Carson smiling proudly at the esteemed estate as he walks towards it, ready to serve the Crawleys one last time. Everything is wrapped up in a nice bow from beginning to end, the production teams efforts cannot be underscored as every element of the film is gorgeous. From servant quarters to royal ball gowns, the attention to detail is flawless all to serve the warm gooey feeling audiences will get when they are swept up in the romance of the era. It's not perfect but for many, that won't matter as the film succeeds where it matters most; a triumphant return to the place they treasured on their television screens. From the first few notes of John Lunn's musical score being played in the opening sequence, the audience is hooked and the next two hours fly by in a wave of laughter and tears.

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Director: #MichaelEngler

Cast: #HughBonneville, #LauraCarmichael, #JimCarter, #RaquelCassidy, #BrendanCoyle, #MichelleDockery, #KevinDoyle, #MichaelCFox, #JoanneFroggatt, #MatthewGoode, #HarryHaddenPaton, #FifiHart, #RobJamesCollier, #MaxBrown, #DavidHaig, #AllenLeech, #PhyllisLogan, #ElizabethMcGovern, #SophieMcShera, #GeraldineJames, #SimonJones, #TuppenceMiddleton, #StephenCampbellMoore, #KatePhillips, #PhilippeSpall, #LesleyNicol, #DouglasReith, #ImeldaStaunton, #MaggieSmith, #PenelopeWilton

Release Date: September 13th 2019

Trailer:

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Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews

Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database