by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How do you wrap up a story like Downton Abbey? The series was an absolute phenomenon when it was released, and quickly became one of the most popular shows on television, especially for a British show hopping across the pond. There have been six seasons, five specials, and now three films to tell the story of the Crawley family — it has sprawled across countries and the different layers of class and society. From cooks to queens, Downton Abbey has told so many stories, but director Simon Curtis and writer Julian Fellowes found the moment to close the book on this chapter of these characters with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Many television series have faced the struggle of leaping from the small to the big screen, and television has certainly gotten more cinematic, with the massive budgets of shows like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, but Downton Abbey is a different type of beast. Cinematographer Ben Smithard makes sure to give The Grand Finale a cinematic feel, with a dynamic opening long take that takes us through the streets of 1930 London and into a theater. There is a real sense of scale, especially with the iconic tracking shot of the Abbey for the first time. With the truly iconic score that swells… you will get goosebumps. The setting feels so lived in, as well as ornate when looking at the Abbey itself, while the production design and costumes are so impressive, along with the hairstyling and makeup. If the Academy did the right thing, The Grand Finale would be looking at plenty of technical awards this year. There are even some moving and poignant musically inclined moments as well. Curtis captures the perfect aura in the form of an infectiously charming experience that is hard to not enjoy at least a little bit.
It is important to note that there is tons of homework required before this film. While you can certainly get by well enough and have an enjoyable experience, there are references to the show and other films sprinkled throughout, and much of the emotional stakes come from a longtime connection to these characters.
Be forewarned: The Grand Finale has plenty of threads narratively. The most impressive aspect of the film is how many characters get things to do. That feat is extraordinary for just two hours. This would probably go down as one of the best series finales of all time if it was still part of the show.
But despite the many threads, the focus is on Mary (Michelle Dockery) being divorced and needing to find honor again before stepping up and becoming the steward of Downton. This parallels the story of her father, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), finally coming to his point of closure and passing the torch. A financial fall for Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) is quite challenging due to the actions of her aloof brother (Paul Giamatti) and his suspicious business associate (Alessandro Nivola). The attempt to summarize all the threads would be futile, but in short, there are plenty of moving, charming, tense, sexy, and heartwarming subplots for all these lovely and impressively fleshed out characters that all collide in a big goodbye.
Now, this would be an endless review if every strong and authentic performance was highlighted. That is how strong this cast is. Every actor is so organic, capturing the heart and soul of the story being told. Dockery delivers a strong turn with her stiff upper lip and the few moments when her armor is cracked, and some real emotion comes through. Bonneville is pushed into some tough scenes, and his frustrations feel real, while he still has that charm as well. McGovern is such an excellent anchor to the whole film with her tender yet firm screen presence. Giamatti is a nice addition as McGovern’s foolish yet warm brother. Nivola is charming as a snake, and he sells his character’s mystery and suspicion.
Meanwhile, Laura Carmichael gets to step up big in this story as the other daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, and she gives a strong and charming performance. Jim Carter is a stalwart presence in the show as he grapples with his new retirement. There are so many standouts, with Dominic West being one of the most charming returning characters from the last film, and Arty Froushan is a sassy and alluring personality that fills up every frame he is in. Throw in the local grump and antagonist portrayed so earnestly by Simon Russell Beale, and you have a superb supporting cast, along with the laundry list of show regulars that slip right back into their roles.
The story Fellowes tells in The Grand Finale is one that makes sense as a closing chapter to the journey the show started. There are so many emotional moments that bring a tear to your eye and warmth to your heart. Curtis does a fantastic job of bringing to life some fan service moments at the end of the film, while the credits even give the audience some nice final moments for so many of our characters. Outside of its legacy, The Grand Finale is a charming and engaging period drama brought to life perfectly. It is a film with a great individual story, on top of being a great end to a greater, larger story. Bravo.
Rating: Loved It
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is currently playing in theaters
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