Downton Abbey (2019)
PG | 2h 2min | Drama | 20 September 2019 (USA)
Synopsis: This fall, the worldwide phenomenon DOWNTON ABBEY, becomes a grand motion picture event, as the beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance. Written by series creator Julian Fellowes and starring the original cast.
Review: There is no denying that DOWNTON ABBEY left its everlasting impression of TV audiences. Over its 6 seasons, the series garnered 3 Golden Globe Awards, 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, 69 Emmy nominations in total, making Downton Abbey the most nominated non-US television show in the history of the Emmys – even earning a Special BAFTA award and a Guinness World Record for the highest critically rated TV show along the way. So.. it makes perfect sense that we would now get a big screen movie to give us fans a dose of the characters we miss.
The premise is pretty straight forward. The King and Queen are coming to Downton to stay for a few days on their recent journey. This causes a mad scramble both upstairs and downstairs in the Crawley home to make things just perfect. Other than that the movie is more an opportunity for use to catch up on the household and tie up some pretty bows on the TV series. Unlike a weekly serial any drama that is brought up has to be resolved in the 2-hour time limit. Therefore there is little. Which makes it simple perfection.
Full of humor and more than a few happy tears this one was crafted for the fan, no doubt. The creators know that they have nothing to prove nor a need to impress. This allows them to just point the camera and let the characters breathe once more. What they do make sure of is that we get an even amount of everyone. It is all hands on deck and the screen time is divided up thoughtfully. We even forget how much we used to despise Barrow or pity Lady Edith. We just want to peek inside the walls once again as if visiting old friends.
Some may ask why we needed a movie? And yes it does fill no different than an extended TV episode. But that is fine. Yes PBS could have just made this a fall premier and it would have been just as special. But watching it on the big screen. Being surrounded by fans who love the show as much as you do. That is the best part and what makes this one a special trip to the cineplex.
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