Film Pick of the Week: Downton Abbey The Grand Finale - review by Yvette Huddleston
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Sky Cinema Premiere, review by Yvette Huddleston
The much-loved series which ran for several years, presenting 52 episodes in all and two previous films, comes to a satisfying end with this elegant, elegiac final chapter.
Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern once again lead the top-drawer cast as the Earl and Countess of Grantham who are looking to the future, contemplating stepping back and handing over the reigns to a new generation. The year is 1930 and both agree in principle that the dawning of a modern age probably requires a fresh approach, although Lord Grantham is still a little reluctant to let go.
The film opens with the Earl and Countess and their daughter Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) attending a society gathering in London, hosted by Lady Petersfield (Joely Richardson). During the party the rumour goes round among the guests that Lady Mary is now divorced from her estranged husband. This causes a bit of a furore, royalty are on their way to the party and Lady Mary is asked, in no uncertain terms, to leave before they arrive. Lady Mary is, justifiably, outraged but agrees to go. While her parents return to Downton, she remains to await the arrival from America of her uncle Lady Grantham’s brother Harold (Paul Giamatti), coming over to see his sister after the death of their mother. He brings along his friend and financial adviser Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola) who takes an instant shine to Lady Mary, and the feeling appears to be mutual.
The rest of the familiar cast return including Jane Froggatt as lady’s maid to Lady Mary, Brendan Coyle as her husband and valet to Lord Grantham, Jim Carter as the family’s former butler Charlie Carson, Phyllis Logan as his wife housekeeper Elsie, Sophie McShera as Daisy the assistant cook and Penelope Wilton as Lady Merton.
Plus there is an appearance of Noël Coward (Arty Froushan) – Guy Dexter (Dominic West) is appearing in one of his plays – which dials up the stardust; it is all very entertaining and lovely.
There is a nice set piece at the races at Ascot with a big outing, much excitement and fun is had, until an upsetting revelation dampens the mood a little. Everything of course is eventually resolved which is a big part of the joy of Downton, there are sticky moments along the way but essentially this is wonderful comfort viewing of the highest order, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.