Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Is A Beautiful Send-Off With A Timely Message

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale arrives in cinemas later this monthConsidering it’s the third movie spin-off of a cosy Sunday night ITV drama, I didn’t exactly go into Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with the loftiest of expectations. Billed as the big send-off to a franchise fans have now been saying goodbye to for the better part of a decade, you don’t have to be the biggest cynic going to wonder if the project is a bit of a cash-grab. And yet, it only took until the Crawley family’s residence came into view for the first time, just a few minutes into the film, accompanied by an orchestral version of that iconic theme music, for me to be completely sold. That, folks, is the power of Downton.Let’s face it, since it first opened its doors in 2010, Downton Abbey has never exactly been known for its action-packed plots (in fact, its slow pace and low stakes are arguably part of what helped popularise the original series in the first place), and this latest iteration is no exception.When we’re reintroduced to the Crawleys, Lady Mary has found herself a social pariah after her divorce, all the while her father is somehow still pondering whether he’s ready to relinquish power of the estate to his eldest daughter.As far as main storylines go, that pretty much covers it, but with an ensemble cast as sprawling as Downton’s, I was happy to see that everyone still gets their moment to shine as they come in and out of the main story or provide some relief from its more serious moments.Downton Abbey stars Allen Leech, Dominic West, Robert James-Collier, Douglas Reith, Sarah Crowden, Penelope Wilton, Paul Giamatti, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael and Harry Hadden-PatonOver the course of the film’s two-hour run time, expect to find yourself holding back tears as the outgoing Mrs Patmore hands over the reins of Downton’s kitchen to her protegée Daisy, smiling as the once-meek Lady Edith holds her own to protect her family, fuming at those who would dare ostracise the newly-divorced Lady Mary, beaming as lady’s maid Anna prepares to extend her family further and – believe it or not – blushing as Mrs Hughes makes a rare saucy admission about herself and Mr Carson.Indeed, this film really does belong to Downton Abbey’s female cast members, and while The Grand Finale may be the first project in the franchise not to include the late Dame Maggie Smith, her character’s presence is still felt in some of the movie’s most emotional moments. Dame Maggie died just a few months after production on the film was completed, meaning certain scenes celebrating her character have become even more poignant than the filmmakers initially intended. The Grand Finale itself is also dedicated to her memory.Fittingly for the franchise’s last ever outing, there are ambitious sequences set at Ascot, around Yorkshire and during the “London season” (including scenes featuring new addition Arty Froushan as the legendary playwright Noel Coward because hey, why not?), as well as more of the lavish scenes around the estate that have become Downton Abbey’s trademark, including a crucial dinner party.And while some critics would argue that period dramas like Downton Abbey encourage people to stay stuck in the past and look back with rose-tinted glasses to the supposed “good old days”, this new movie also has a very pertinent message about the importance of embracing change over nostalgia. Considering those in the UK today who seem all too keen to pull the country back into the past, this film reminds us about the importance that moving forwards with an open mind, even when doing so might seem scary at first, has always been the way that progress has been made.Downton Abbey faves Raquel Cassidy, Kevin Doyle, Sophie McShera, Phyllis Logan, Lesley Nicol, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle and Joanne Froggatt are all back for the third movieGiven how much The Grand Finale leans into what has always made Downton so popular, it’s unlikely that the third and final in the film trilogy is going to win over any sceptics. But, for those who’ve been looking forward to seeing Downton Abbey back on the big screen one last time, your patience is definitely about to be rewarded, and you should expect to find yourself quietly sobbing into your popcorn in its final, beautiful moments.What would the Dowager Countess say, eh?Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is in cinemas from Friday 12 September.MORE FILM NEWS:Thought The Stars Of The Thursday Murder Club Looked Familiar? Here's Where You've Seen Them BeforeThis New Trailer For The 28 Years Later Sequel The Bone Temple Is Genuinely ChillingHarry Potter Director Insists Reunion Would Be 'Impossible' Due To JK Rowling Controversy

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Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Is A Beautiful Send-Off With A Timely Message