As a lover of the Downton Abbey series, I was thrilled when I heard that Lady Mary and all the other beloved characters of Downton were back. Unfortunately, two cast members weren’t able to return to the movie, Lily James as Lady Rose MacClare and Ed Speleers as footman, Jimmy Kent. Although Lily James was unable to return, the film was a success. At the end of the series, Lady Rose moves to New York, so her returning to Downton would be unlikely anyway.
The film is set in 1927, only about a year and a half where we left off with the show’s finale set in 1926 and revolves around a special visit from the King and Queen of England. At this time, George V is the ruler of England, along with his wife, Queen Mary. With the Monarchs’ visit, Downton Abbey is turned inside out both upstairs with the Crawleys and downstairs with their loyal employees. The excitement and stress of a royal visit bring the Crawley family and their servants together, united against external factors that threaten their dignity. Just like during the show, times are continuously changing in the early 20th century, and worries about the future of Downton are at their highest. The butting heads of the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Maggie Smith) and Lady Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton) add comedy and laughter to the movie as it added to the show. The film was a great conclusion to the series and a fun way to see your favorite characters one last time.
As always, the costumes of the roaring 1920s are dazzling, and seeing the glittering magic of Downton Abbey on the big screen was an amazing experience.