The Downton Abbey saga, spanning six seasons and three films, concludes (or does it?) with "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale." While the series has often emphasized the rapid societal changes of the 1910s and 20s, the core dynamics of class and gender remained surprisingly static, a deliberate choice by creator Julian Fellowes. This final film, however, surpasses its predecessor, "A New Era," offering a more satisfying and emotionally resonant experience.
Set in 1930, the film opens with the passing of the formidable Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), her presence still keenly felt. Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery), poised to inherit the reins of Downton Abbey, faces unexpected challenges. Her impending divorce casts her as a social outcast, highlighting the rigid social constraints of the era. Adding to the family's woes, her American uncle, Harold (Paul Giamatti), reveals financial mismanagement, threatening the estate's stability amidst the Great Depression.
Downstairs, significant changes unfold. Carson, the loyal butler, embarks on retirement, while Mrs. Patmore gracefully passes the kitchen torch to her apprentice, Daisy (Sophie McShera). These transitions offer poignant moments of reflection and highlight the evolving lives of the household staff.
Fellowes masterfully weaves together several subplots, including preparations for the annual county fair, which provides a comedic backdrop thanks to a hilariously stubborn local snob (Simon Russell Beale). The return of actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and his assistant, Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier), adds a welcome layer of intrigue and heartwarming reunion. A delightful cameo by Noël Coward (Arty Froushan), complete with a piano performance, evokes the charm of classic British cinema, drawing parallels to Fellowes' Oscar-winning screenplay for "Gosford Park."
Unlike the previous films, "The Grand Finale" shows a greater appreciation for the downstairs characters, offering moments of genuine emotional depth. A touching scene between Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Carson (Jim Carter) reflects their long-standing camaraderie, while Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) steps into a stronger supporting role for her sister Mary. The film's conclusion leaves the audience pondering the future of Downton Abbey under Mary's stewardship, a future ripe with potential, subtly suggesting that this might not be the absolute end of the beloved estate's story.
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Originally published at: https://www.npr.org/2025/09/12/nx-s1-5536666/downton-abbey-grand-finale-review
