If this is the grand finale as the title suggests then Downton Abbey is bowing out with easily the best of the three feature films.
Beginning with a beautiful scene in a neon lit London West End street, the camera, in what looks like one single shot, swoops across the street through a set of theatre doors, and onto the stage of the theatre where (Guy Dexter) Dominic West is performing. Meanwhile in the audience sat in the best seats is the tofts family from Downton Manor and in the upper gallery, befitting their social standing, is the house staff.
It’s the perfect link between the last and newest film.
After that we’re whisked to a party where Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is thrown out by her host Lady Petersfield (Joely Richardson) after she finds out that Lady Mary is divorced.
With the household in a bit of a flux after the death of the grand matriarch (Maggie Smith, there are a number of tributes paid to the Downton regular and acting legend throughout the film) the family are starting to have doubts about their place in the world.
Their financial woes aren’t helped by the arrival of Lady Crawley’s (Elizabeth McGovern) American bother (Paul Giamatti) who has apparently squandered the family’s inheritance.
This leaves poor Lord Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) having to face the possibility that he might have to sell their plush London mansion in London in order to keep the roofs over their heads at Downton abbey.
The Grand Finale is mostly about the women, whether they be a lowly servant or a lady, each having to face up to the changing times. Being posh isn’t what it used to be.
The Final Chapter is filled with charm and enough emotion to melt the hardest of hearts.
If you’re a Downton Abby fan then you’re in for a treat as The Grand Finale is a fitting send off for one of the most successful British film and TV franchises of the last couple of decades.
