Downton Abbey: The Perfect Addition

Image courtesy of https://www.express.co.uk

By Kat Kaderabek

The Queen is coming to Downton! In the newest, and rather unexpected addition to the Downton Abbey franchise, the movie adaptation was recently released to theaters on September 20th, just in time for awards season. 

The movie itself was not necessarily a continuation of where the hit-series ended in season six, but rather an addition which further enhanced the experience of Downton Abbey. The entire star-studded cast returned for the movie, including witty matriarch Violet, played by Maggie Smith, and beloved Butler, Carson, played by Jim Carter. With all the fan-favorite characters back in their 17th-century estate, the people of Downton Abbey were surprised to receive a telegram explaining the royal family will be visiting shortly. 

The movie was not just intended for hardcore Downton fans, however, it was well-attended by lovers of the British series. Sophomore nursing major from Fetwell, England, Caitie Melloy, believes the movie was a good continuation of the show. 

“It picked up with all the same characters and storylines, tying them up in heartwarming endings,” explained Melloy. 

She noted that even those who have not seen the show can still understand the plot of the show, and picking up on key characters is easy. Before the screening, a short synopsis video was played, reminding fans and informing first-timers of the current and past states of Downton Abbey. 

As for the plot of the movie, it was slow-moving at first. This was most likely because the filmmakers needed to either introduce or highlight each of the dozens of cherished characters and inform viewers of the current situation the characters find themselves in. 

For Violet Crawley, she found herself wondering about the future of the estate and her estranged cousin’s decision to leave her neighboring estate outside of the family. Mary Crawley, the spit-fire heroine of Downton, struggled with the success and upkeep of the abbey, wondering if her newly-wed husband Henry Talbot understood the magnitude of their responsibility of saving the estate. 

Sophomore Architecture major and Civil Engineering student, Julia Schlottmann, believes the movie gave good justice to the television series.

“It is always breathtaking to see the level of detail of costuming, architecture, and score in which Downton has spared no expense to create,” explained Schlottmann. “The movie brought further glory to the franchise with equally entertaining plot, drama, and comedy.” 

With the plot occurring at the end of the 1920s, change was present at every corner. Costuming featured bobbed hair, pearls, and elegant silk flapper dresses. Several historical events were referenced throughout the movie, attesting to how far the Crawley family had come since the first episode of Downton, which was set the day after the Titanic sank in 1912. 

It is during this time that tensions were heightened between two sections of Ireland and the British Crown, which had previously fought in the guerilla war of Irish Independence. Irish fellow, Tom Bransen, was tested several times throughout the movie on where his loyalties resided. It was through Tom that the filmmakers made a relevant and valid point: it is possible to disagree on important matters and still love a person. Tom loved the Crawley family, believing they are good at their core. 

There was not one specific climax of the movie, rather the entire Royal visit was a climactic event in itself. With the royal servants taking over preparations and effectively rendering the Downton staff useless, a revolution began below the marbled floors of Downton’s entryway. Every moment was experienced with held breath, waiting to see which character would slip up first or cause issues with the royal family. 

The movie ended with a feeling of contentment – with all characters back in the happy and satisfied places that the series had previously concluded with. However, there were some new, progressive developments that only served in addition to the happy endings of all characters, not just some. Particularly, widower Tom Bransen received his well-deserved happy ending in the form of Violet’s cousin’s illegitimate child, the young and beautiful Lucy. After suffering through the loss of wife Sybil, and the family’s continued disrespect, Tom finally ended up in a happy place and now an heir to a wealthy estate. 

Also, the complex and crafty Tom Barrow, Downton’s newest butler, received a happy ending of his own. While fans waited to see if he would revert to his old ways of scheming and treachery, Tom met the handsome and charming servant to the King, Richard. Throughout the movie, Richard provided a support system for the conflicted Tom Barrow, providing a solace and acceptance he struggled with through six seasons of the television series.  

Community Director and avid fan, Victor David, deemed the movie fantastic. 

“If you are a fan of the show, you will love the movie,” said David. “It is a perfect continuation of the story that fills you with laughter, suspense, tears, and joy. There is one particular scene towards the end that will make everyone feel emotional, nostalgic, and hopeful for the future. If rumors of a potential sequel are true, then the world of Downton is sure to entertain for many years to come.”

Overall, the movie left viewers in a state of satisfaction. All is well with Downton, and as Carson noted in the closing scene, the movie reminded fans that Downton Abbey will always be there, along with the Crawley family, for generations to come. Adequately biittersweet, the movie leaves room for a sequel; however, there is simultaneously a final and conclusive end.