The Crawley family is back for one last time in “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale”, the end of the global phenomenon.
Once again, fans of “Downton Abbey” around the world have anxiously awaited the third film instalment, and the last chapter, of the popular television series.
Set in 1930, three years have passed since we last checked in with the Crawley family. In a changing environment, it becomes apparent that Downton has moved with the times.
The movie follows two main storylines, one being the fortune owing to Lady Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern), and the latest scandal involving Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery).
While there are some interesting additions to the main character lineup this time around, such as the legendary English playwright and composer Noël Coward, the overall film is lacking in energy.
The preceding two films both had their merits, but after the initial demand from audiences for a movie instalment after the original series ended in 2015, there seemed to be no purpose for a second movie.
Now with the release of the third film, it seems its only reason was to close existing storylines.
At times, it felt as if it were an episode from the series. Writer and Executive Producer Julian Fellowes did his best to finish the series well and truly, without leaving any stories open-ended or any conflict unsolved. While dull in some places and in need of momentum in others, it was a fitting end to the entire chronicles of Downton Abbey.
It is without question that the presence of the one-and-only Maggie Smith was sadly missed. However, her character, Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, still lived on in spirit throughout the film. In a moving tribute, the film was dedicated in loving memory of Smith, who passed away last year at 89.
On a surprising note, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) turned out to be the film’s saving grace. After countless heartbreaks and tragedies throughout the series, at long last, Edith has found her place in society’s rankings with her husband Bertie. She was the voice of reason, the problem solver, and in many cases, the comic relief. One must wonder if it was a condition of Carmichael’s contract to make the character actually likeable for once.
Changing hands from Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) to his eldest daughter, Lady Mary, was inevitable. With the death of his mother in the last film, it is no surprise that Fellowes chose a somewhat predictable, but fitting ending. It would have been in the audience’s interest to have seen this plot more emphasised, rather than what seemed to be an “aha” moment late in the script.
Nevertheless, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is a must-watch for any fan. It in no way will change the face of cinema, but it is the last hurrah for one of the most successful television franchises in history, and a family that the audience has spent the better part of 15 years getting to know.
OUR RATING: 3/5
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