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During its six-season run, period drama Downton Abbey captivated viewers and garnered critical acclaim while boosting public television ratings. Since it’s been off the air, fans have been missing the Crawley family and their servants—but now they’re able to catch up with the characters in the show’s big-screen reunion.
Downton Abbey opens as the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) receives correspondence from Buckingham Palace, announcing that the King and Queen will be spending a night at the Abbey during their upcoming tour of the country. As the family and their staff all set out to plan for the royal visit, family matron Violet (Maggie Smith) discovers that she’ll be forced to face her estranged cousin. And when the staff is visited by the royal servants, they’re dismayed to discover that their roles will be taken over by the King and Queen’s own staff.
For fans of the beloved series, the Downton Abbey film will feel like reuniting with old friends. There are a whole lot of characters—family members, extended family, and household staff—and it would be easy to keep some of them in the background. Yet nearly all of the key characters get their moments to shine, with multiple storylines woven throughout the film. There’s so much going on here—family drama, staff power struggles, strained relationships—that it never feels dull. And when Maggie Smith shows up in a scene, it just gets better. Her constant snark and sarcasm and scheming are certainly highlights of the film. In fact, no matter what kind of drama is playing out in the scenes without her, her absence is almost always felt.
Admittedly, almost everything about this depiction of the grand country estate and its residents feels highly romanticized and more than slightly melodramatic—but that’s all just a part of its entertainment value. It’s pomp and circumstance, class and hierarchy, prim and proper. It’s often clever and conniving, too. But it’s also lovingly designed and beautifully filmed, from its lush settings to its costumes to its period details. And, together, all of the wit and charm and eye-catching scenery makes for a lovely experience.
Of course, if you’re unfamiliar with the Crawleys and their staff, this isn’t the best introduction—but if you happen to accompany a friend who’s a fan, you might be tempted to go back and start the series from the beginning. For fans, though, it’s a must-see. While nothing here is especially ground-breaking—nothing makes the film feel entirely necessary—it’s still worth the trip to your village cinema.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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