Downton Abbey: A New Era movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Downton Abbey: A New Era

The sequel to this popular British franchise opened in the UK in April but premieres in the USA & Canada on May 20. After the theatrical release, fans will be able to stream it on Peacock.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 2 hours 5 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Downton Abbey fans unite! It’s time for another movie sequel! This is a follow-up to the 2019 feature film in which the Crawley family and Downton staff received a royal visit from the King and Queen of Great Britain. This addition to the popular British franchise takes the family into the 1930s with style, humor, and drama.

THINGS I LIKED:

It was perfect to begin with a wedding because it gave us a chance to remember all of the characters as they got their pictures taken during the reception.
The fantastic cast gifts us with our favorites, as well as introduces us to a few new ones like Mr. Stubbins (Alex Macqueen) who I thought was hilarious and had the perfect voice for the role.
As always, Maggie Smith has the most entertaining lines. What a national treasure.
The story about a Hollywood movie being filmed in the Crawley home is ironic considering the TV show and movie have taken over the real-life Highclere Castle for years!
There’s a warmth and comforting familiarity to the film that will allow fans to bask in the film. It really feels like it was love letter to the fans and a fitting conclusion. There is, of course, talk that there will be a trilogy. Are you up for it? Comment down below!
There is satisfying closure for many of the characters.
Fun fact 1: Director Simon Curtis is married to Elizabeth McGovern in real life.
Fun fact 2: In one of the scenes, Lady Bagshaw and Mr. Carson are mistaken for a married couple. Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter are married in real life.
Fun fact 3: The 8 bells heard ringing in the church in the wedding scene were actually added into the soundtrack because the real bells in the tower are so old and unsafe to ring.
We get to travel to the south of France with some of the Crawley family.
There’s a side story about a mystery involving Violet Grantham. Any story involving Violet Grantham is always entertaining.
There are quite a few touching moments. I admit it…I cried.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

If you haven’t seen the TV show or first movie, you’ll be lost and won’t appreciate the backstories. The movie assumes you already know and love the characters.
If you don’t enjoy British pomp and consider it snobbery, you definitely won’t like this.
Not all of the characters get as much screen time as others.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored.
Some British profanity
Married couples kiss.
Some French is spoken with subtitles you need to read.

THEMES:

Family
Tradition
Legacy
Filmmaking
Change

FUNNY LINES:

“I will say goodnight and leave you to discuss my mysterious past.” – Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith)
“Women fall into two categories: dragons and fools.” – Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith)
“They better be warned…the British are coming!” – Mr. Carson (Jim Carter)
“You were always so much cleverer than me.” – Robert Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) “True.” – Violet Grantham (Maggie Smith)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Hollywood is the ultimate dream factory.” – Mr. Mosley
“Marriage is a novel, not a short story.” – Mary
“That’s life: getting through the unexpected.” – Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith)
“I’m too old fashioned to believe what I want is all that matters.” – Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery)
“Why is she so nice all of a sudden?” – Cora Crawley “Simple. She’s not afraid anymore.” – Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy)