Our Review

         Movie: DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE

            Rating:  PG, suggestive material, smoking and                                   some thematic elements`

                                     Length: 2:03

                      Release Date: September 12, 2025 

Jeanne: Once again, Julian Fellowes has captured the hearts of all the devotees who are totally enraptured with the Crawley Family and the servants of Downton Abbey. In this supposed final chapter, DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, these favorite characters are back except, of course, Maggie Smith as Dowager Countess Violet Grantham, who passed away at the end of DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA (2022). (Dame Smith herself died on September 27, 2024.)

Writer/creator/producer Fellowes, who is also responsible for the long-running TV series, “Downton Abbey” (2010-2015), begins the finale in London 1930, where the Crawleys are enjoying the glamorous London Season. They have just attended Noel Coward’s (Arty Froushan) newest play, Bitter Sweet, starring Guy Dexter (Dominic West), who was a new addition in DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. He and Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) who moved to California with Guy at the end of the last movie, are in London together.

But, at the final event of the London Season, Lady Petersfield’s (Joely Richardson) Ball, Lady Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) divorce creates quite the scandal, resulting in Mary’s forced departure from the event. At that time, being divorced, especially in aristocratic circles, doomed one as an outcast.

Upon the family’s return to Downton, things initially aren’t much better, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) plans a dinner to salvage Mary’s reputation, while Robert (Hugh Bonneville) struggles with his decision to turn over the reins of the manor to Mary. Complicating matters is the arrival of Cora’s brother, Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti), and his financial advisor, Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), who have unfortunate news regarding Cora’s fortune.

Meanwhile, the downstairs staff is experiencing their own changes. Daisy (Sophie McShera) is taking over the cooking responsibilities from Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol), who is retiring to spend more time with her husband, Mr. Mason (Paul Copley). Daisy’s husband, Andy (Michael Fox) is finally replacing Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) as Butler, which Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan), his wife, thinks is way overdue. Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) are expecting their second child. Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle), now a very successful screenwriter, has purchased a lovely home for himself and Miss Baxter (Raquel Cassidy). 

To save Mary’s reputation, Edith (Laura Carmichael) invites Noel Coward and Guy Dexter to a special dinner at Downton, enlisting the servants to spread the word amongst the locals. Despite Mary’s current social standing, an invitation to this soiree becomes paramount to their fellow aristocrats. All the ongoing machinations culminate with the yearly County Fair, now run by Isobel (Penelope Wilton), who took over as President, and her devoted husband, Lord Merton (Douglas Reith).

Phew! So much happening --- but it’s all extremely worth it. Fellowes has created a final chapter worthy of this marvelous cast of unforgettable characters. Each and every one of them brings the energy --- and charm --- these beloved personages deserve. His writing has been consistent over these many years, with storylines pertinent to the time periods this saga has spanned. Fellowes uses DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE to showcase the many changes facing the great houses of England during this time in history.

Director Simon Curtis, who also helmed DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA, and his dedicated crew have spared nothing in their efforts to end this epic chronicle of the Crawleys. Because the film does begin in London, by the time Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey, finally appears on the horizon, it is breathtaking --- thanks to Director of Photography Ben Smithard. Having been there myself --- sans David --- it is a sight to behold.

And, as always, the costumes by Anna Robbins are divine. The red dress worn by Mary --- which is shown in the poster --- is exquisite, as are all the gowns, the outfits for Ascot, etc. Make up and hair designer Anne ‘Nosh’ Oldham does a wonderful job bringing the cast into the 1930s, particularly Edith’s latest styles. And composer John Lunn, who has been with the series since its inception, should be given special recognition for the splendid music.

And lastly, the attention to detail by this devoted crew is amazing. One specific example which immediately comes to mind is the Hollywoodland sign in the background when Guy Dexter and Thomas are briefly shown standing in front of a window after returning to Los Angeles. It wasn’t until 1949 that the Hollywoodland sign became the iconic Hollywood.

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE is pure joy! And the perfect ending to one of the most treasured series ever filmed.

Opinion:  Strong See It Now!

David: The title says it all. DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE is simply grand! Watching this film is like being at a family reunion except in this story we hang on every word. The ingenious creator of the franchise, Julian Fellowes, writes dialogue that is equal parts brilliant and fascinating. The large ensemble cast is magnificent at delivering his lines.

We are totally caught up in the dilemma of Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery) who is recently divorced. In 1930s Great Britain, that simply does not fly in high society circles. She is ostracized and clearly shaken, yet she must overcome her situation because she is bound to take over the reins of Downton Abbey from her father, Robert/Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) who is reluctant to step away. The other main storyline from the pen of Fellowes is the unstable financial position in which the Crawley Family finds itself.

When Cora/Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) offers that they can use assets of her now deceased mother, we learn that her wealth is not intact. That fact comes into focus when Cora’s brother Harold (Paul Giamatti) arrives from New York with his financial advisor, Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), and things get mysterious.

Mary’s divorce is constantly in play in DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE. When Cora sends out invitations to a dinner at the castle – normally a huge event for the elite aristocrats --- the invitees shun the event. However, when word gets out that famed playwright Noel Coward (Arty Froushan) will attend, along with actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West), suddenly everyone is interested.

All your favorite characters from the series are present, except, of course, Maggie Smith, the iconic  Dowager Countess Violet Grantham, who passed away at the end of the second movie. Dame Smith died in real life in 2024 at the age of eighty-nine.

It would be inappropriate to single out any of the actors as special because that would be disingenuous to the entire assemblage of talent. Every player contributes shining and memorable moments at one time or another. For example, Edith/Lady Hexham (Laura Carmichael), normally very subdued, forcefully confronts the villain. In another, Daisy (Sophie McShera), speaks her mind at the annual County Fair meeting run by the curmudgeonly and obnoxious Sir Hector Moreland (Simon Russell Beale, universally loved by the cast).

There are constant reminders of how they all miss Violet, and the closing credits feature an endearing goodbye tribute to Maggie Smith. A unique closing scene features Mary alone in the manor where she is reliving fond memories of her life at Downton Abbey. It’s a moving way to conclude this globally loved story.

The fabulous set designs by Donal Woods and costumes  by Anna Robbins are spectacular. John Lunn, who has been the composer since the beginning, is responsible for the memorable music. The immensely popular, with the cast, director Simon Curtis, who happens to be married to Elizabeth McGovern, puts all the elements together to forge an absolutely divine cinematic experience.

But truly, if you are a long-time fan, DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE will feel like a re-connecting with old friends. The move is absolutely wonderful and easily one of the best films of the year.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!