Downton Abbey

By: Jamie Steinberg

Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern), says it best in this TV show turned film – “Just like the old days.” With a royal visit pending, we step back into the grand halls of Downton Abbey and spend some time with some familiar faces. After six seasons of the series, the film Downton Abbey hits the screen complete with upstairs and downstairs moments we came to love about the show. If you’re looking to step back in time, both with a family you’d grown to love and in setting, lean back in your chair and watch this film.

The movie picks up with the Crawley-Grantham clan at a time not far off from the finale of the series. The entire house is preparing for a visit from King George V and Queen Mary that will involve a grand dinner, a parade in the guests’ honor and a grand ball. Ever eager to share words of wisdom, Lady Cora dispenses her sage advice. Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is more focused on the financial problems that loom over the estate. Meanwhile, our beloved sourpuss Dowager Countess Violet Grantham (played by the ever-acerbic Maggie Smith) has her mind more on the fact that a family inheritance is at play.

As for the downstairs atmosphere, Mr. Wilson the Royal Butler (David Haig) has everyone on their toes with preparation. They are busy bees working to create an incredible meal while he lounges. Of course, our beloved Bates duo, Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and John (Brendan Coyle) band together to make sure the house servants assure the royal visit goes off without a hitch.

Ever as lovely as we remember, the cinematography of the beloved home that is Downton Abbey shines at the hand of Ben Smithard. Director Michael Engler (who helmed several episodes of the series) steps in to tell the latest tale. His vision for the film helped bring back to a life and did justice a show that was cherished by so many. Highclere Castle, who steps in as Downton Abbey, could not have looked more elegant and certainly worthy and regal enough for any royal to step through its incredible doors. Viewers of the film will surely feel as immersed in the English countryside as ever.

As a long-time fan of the series, I was excited to find one of my favorite on-screen families find their way to the big screen. I was even more pleased that the film did justice to this beloved show that quickly found a special place in the hearts of so many. For those that have missed the incredible finery that the show “Downton Abbey” brought to our homes, you will not be disappointed by its new address of the film screen.