Grade: B+
“Downton Abbey” was a very popular television show that ran for five seasons back in 2010 to 2015. I remember it used to clean up at the Emmys. Taking home 13 Emmys out of the 74 nominations during its reign on television. The legendary actress, Maggie Smith, took home the prize a few times and the show dominated in many other categories. “Downton Abbey” took the world by storm and somehow I never bothered to watch an episode.
After seeing the long awaited movie, “Downton Abbey,” I just may have to go back and binge watch the show because I enjoyed my 2 hours with the Crawley family and company. I don’t believe I even saw the trailer for “Downton Abbey” so I went into it completely blind. I had no clue who any of the characters were and their respective relationships. I was lost in the beginning of the movie but by the end of it, I had a better grasp of the beloved characters. Of course, there is no way I could possibly learn the entire history of the characters from a two hour movie but at the very least, I am now intrigued.
The “Downton Abbey” movie does tote a pretty meager main plot that is supported by a good amount of subplots. The main plot of the movie is simply that the King and Queen are paying Downton Abbey a visit and the crew want to be the best that they can possibly be, in order to make their highness’ visit as grand as possible. From under that main plot, the many subplots deal with politics, family history, and even the future of Downton Abbey.
Many of the characters are likeable and interesting. The movie is also really well acted by the majority of the original television series cast. Maggie Smith did a phenomenal job and it became clear as to why she ended up walking away with so much Emmy hardware. I also enjoyed the character of Lady Mary Talbot (played by Michelle Dockery). Even the Downton Abbey’s kitchen staff was good for a few laughs! There really is not a weak link within the cast.
Expect “Downton Abbey” to be a strong contender during Oscar season in the Production Design and Costume Design areas. The sets were absolutely beautiful and so grand it made the audience feel as if they were back in time during the 1920’s. The costumes were perfect and absolutely nailed the look of the 20’s. “Downton Abbey” is really breathtaking to look at. I am sure the television show looked just as good!
Being that I never saw the television show, there really is not much more I can comment about the film other than that I was highly entertained. I was engaged in the storylines and my eyes were taken on a vintage visual treat.
If you are a fan of the tv show, “Downton Abbey” is a no brainer. If you are uninitiated, you will also enjoy it like I did. It was a really well made movie and I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would have.