Downton Abbey (2019)

[Robert Lynch]

Edited September 3, 2019 by Robert Lynch

[GHScorpiosRule]

While I wasn't a fan of the final season, I'm so ridiculously excited about seeing this.

[Athena]

There is actually a movie thread for this in the Downton Abbey Forum here:

Depending on where people want to go, I may move and merge threads here or have people go to the Downtown Abbey forum. Let me know if anyone has strong preferences either way. Thank you.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

The beloved television series hits the silver screen.  Their Royal Majesties, George V and Mary, come to Downton.  

[Guest]

The overall plot was very cheesy, but hey, Downton always gets a pass.

Thomas finally got some action!! It only took nine years! Although it was a little too convenient that his royal counterpart also happened to be gay. But very convenient when you need someone to bail you out of jail! After all that, I don't buy that they'd be foolish enough to kiss standing two feet from a wide open door as the entire staff is rushing to leave the house. Also interesting that apparently Thomas has never knowingly met another gay man but meets two in separate random chance occasions days apart, lol.

I'm so in love with Allen Leech. There's an earnestness he gives to Tom that's so endearing. Glad he finally got to move on - his romance with Lucy was very sweet. Did anyone catch the parallel when he walks down the hallway and sees her through the drawing room window, a callback to when he realized his feelings for Sybil when he sees her though the window modelling the pantaloons in (what I think was) the same room? A nice bookend to his arc throughout the series, especially in terms of making him now the upper-class party in another inter-class romance. Although apparently not, with Lucy the maid revealed as secret heiress! Before they dropped that bomb, I was kind of convinced the reason why the cousin was so attached to Lucy was because they were secretly sleeping together.

Speaking of which, I desperately wanted Daisy to hook up with that sexy plumber and was irritated by her arbitrary, sudden burst of enthusiasm for her dishrag fiance. So it turns you on that this goober flies into a rage and risks losing his job because you made smalltalk with another man? Kind of a wasted subplot.

Edith was...there.

NOT happy about the plan to kill off Granny via vague offscreen illness just to pass the baton to Mary!!! Maggie Smith deserves better. So does that mean no sequel? The franchise would be a shadow of its former self without her.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

                                      ************GUSHING ALERT***********

Goodness, how I adored this movie.

The conversation, passing of the mantle, between Violet and Mary was incredibly well done.  Smart and as bittersweet as it gets.  I wonder how many takes the actresses endured.  I know what the opening scene for any subsequent DA presentation must be:  The Dowager's funeral.

I laughed out loud several times.  My favorite such moment was when Robert actually won a battle of wits with Violet!  "Like a mother to a son?"  I believe that was a first.

I was fully primed to hate the gay storyline.  To me, it was going to be an unwelcome bit of "wokeness" in a movie meant to be a trifle.  Well, I was shockingly won over.  Barrows' entrance and awakening was a wonder.  Joy everywhere to be found.  It was nothing short of miraculous to him.  It was also completely within character and organic.  I don't much care for the lad, but even my black heart was filled seeing all those fellas literally dancing with joy in their one haven (heaven?) in the Kingdom.

The portrayal of the life George V and Mary were living was simply outstanding.  I loved the subtleties.  Can you imagine what it had to be like to be a museum piece and not mortal?  Absolutely everything and everyone was fraught with ridiculous meaning and was most carefully acted out.  The entirety of their existence was a show.  The portrayal of Princess Mary was similarly and unexpectedly dark, albeit with genuine humanity.  Kudos to Julian.

I also had sympathy for Wilson, the Page of the Backstairs (Who knew?!).  Everywhere their majesties would travel would entail resentments from the intrinsic staffs.  What's he supposed to do?  He really would have to lay down the law and brook no resistance.  Otherwise, standards would not be met - as happened thanks to Molseley.  Regimentation was required.

Allen Leech (Branson) gave as winning a performance as I have ever seen.  Mythic.  Sure, disbelief needed some suspending.  Yet, I found it impossible to not grin like a fool when he was on the screen.  The King acknowledging he was twice in his debt was magical.  I am a male, but darned if I did not swoon when he spied Lucy on the veranda and then they danced that dance.  That's as good as moviemaking gets, imo.

Speaking of...the device of using the Ball as a way to wrap a beauteous bow on the gift that is this movie was quite marvelous.  We got costume and architecture porn to go along with universally satisfying exposition/closure for all concerned.  Peak Downton Abbey,

Long live the King!  Forever live, Downton Abbey.

Edited September 21, 2019 by Lonesome Rhodes

[wlk68]

Basically this was an episode on steroids. Everyone got their moment to shine but the plot was basically fluff. I cannot imagine that the downstairs staff would actually get so worked up about having to yield to the royal staff that they would essentially stage a coup. Deference to the nobility would be so ingrained that I can't see it happening. But I'm willing to hand-waive it away if it means I get to visit with them all again.

As always the costumes were stunning. My favorite being the slinky black and silver number that Mary wore to the ball.

Glad to see Branson finding someone he could love again.  

The same goes for Barrow. Nice that he might actually have a sweetheart/pen-pal.

[PentaHookUp]

Enjoyed the movie quite a bit.  Took a novice with me who also enjoyed the movie (quite a bit) without ever having seen the series, or known the characters and their history.

I've always been enthralled by Fellowes ability to expertly string along multiple storylines and the enthralling interactions of googobs of characters.

The characters deliver.  Fellowes delivers.  The movie delivers.

Welcome Back Downton Abbey!

[Miss Slay]

I didn't like it. I'd been excited since I saw the trailer last year and boy was I disappointed.

It was nice to see all the characters again. I really love the entire cast. I didn't mind the subplot. It wouldn't be Downton without an aristocrat having a baby out of wedlock and an heir getting a fortune! Redundancy aside, there was not enough Mr. Bates. I also missed Sprat and Denka. They were hilarious.

It's too bad that Edith gave up her newspaper - I didn't think she would. I always thought they were hinting that Branson would end up with Edith's editor. But oh well.

The scene at the end with the Dowager ruined the movie for me. It felt tact on and really sad. I guess Maggie doesn't want to do another movie.

Oh and this film was missing a villain. Thomas was nice and so was Mary. I mean, I liked Mary being nice to Edith but couldn't she be that bitch to someone else?

[Crs97]

Just saw it and really enjoyed it!  Lots of funny moments.  Edith certainly didn’t disappoint - she spent all series whining about her lot in life, she wins the lottery on all levels and spends the movie . . . whining about her lot in life.  Oh, Edith.

One of my favorite scenes was Henry running up the stairs to see Mary.  

I squealed when the music started, and I cried at Mary and Violet’s talk at the end. Maggie has been pretty vocal that she has to be done because Violet must be over 100 by now.  I bet she made them add that in, but Michelle and she ran with it.  Their relationship has always been a favorite.

[Linny]

I think I had a smile on my face for pretty much the entirety of this movie. Downton always impressed me with its ability to fully embody every inch of its landscape with authenticity; I could watch an episode and forget that these are modern actors existing in the same world as me. It felt really good to once again slip back in time.

It was great to get a more complete resolution for Tom, since the last season of the show shortchanged him quite a bit. Lucy was lovely, and I would have enjoyed seeing even more of them together. Entwining Tom's politics with his devotion to the Crawleys was a nice nod to his history.

I adored the staff overthrowing their usurpers, no matter how improbable it may be. After seasons of heartbreak between Anna and Bates, strife between kitchen maids, etc., I appreciated everyone uniting for the dignity of their service.

Violet and Mary's conversation was probably my favorite part, and was absolutely necessary. Much as I may wish Violet could be an eternal pillar of pithy wit, she cannot. Downton has never shied away from showing the inevitability of change, both good and bad, and for these characters in 1927, we know plenty more change awaits them. More than just passing the reins to Mary, Violet solidified her faith in Mary's ability to stand tall, make decisions with composure, and bear any challenges before her with grace.

[shipmate]

They could have cut out the whole assassination plot line. Would rather them have fleshed out the Tom/Lucy story a little more.

But who am I kidding? I'm a sucker and loved every minute of it!

Eta:  I wonder what happened with Mr. Mason since Daisy was going to live with him at the end of season 6 and it was implied that he and Mrs Patmore were developing a relationship.

Edited September 22, 2019 by shipmate
edited

[Spartan Girl]

I have missed Downton Abbey and its delicious tea! It felt like another series finale but I loved the hell out of it!

Was upset about Violet dying offscreen at the end too, but she's lived quite the life and was more than fine with it. As long as Maggie Smith stays with us for many years to come, I can accept it.

The staff put up with so much during the TV series that they weren't going to take that crap from the snobby royal staff. Carson said it best, they had it coming in spades!

Edited September 22, 2019 by Spartan Girl

[Spunkygal]

Thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but still wished we had gotten the replacement dog’s wagging butt entry at the beginning!

[Cheezwiz]

Saw this in the theatre this weekend and it was like putting on a pair of cozy slippers and sipping tea in front of a roaring manor house fire!

It really was lovely to see the house and surrounding countryside on the big screen - the cinematography was absolutely beautiful, and I was completely transported from the get-go.

The plot lines were fluffy and silly for the most part, but it was enjoyable to see all the familiar faces. I loved that Thomas Barrow (looking great in this) finally found himself a handsome fella, and Alan Leech as Branson continues to be the cutest cutie-pie Irishman. Clearly Matthew Goode had to have been tied up filming something else since all we saw was him bounding up a staircase at the end. Was immensely relieved that Bates barely  factored in this instalment. I really like Joanna Frogget as Anna, but her and Bates as a couple were a major snore during the series run.

I really wanted Daisy to dump her dishrag fiance and hook up with the hot plumber.

The parade of dresses, hats and ballgowns, was as to be expected, totally fabulous!

Was saddened by Lady Violet's reveal, but I guess it's inevitable, as her character has to be about 900 years old at this point. I really would prefer her to live eternally and dispense zingers and spar with Isobel forever more. Downton isn't Downton without her.

They do seem to have left the door open for future films though.

Only thing missing was more shots of happy waggly golden retrievers. 

[PentaHookUp]

On 9/23/2019 at 4:59 AM, Cheezwiz said:

Was saddened by Lady Violet's reveal, but I guess it's inevitable, as her character has to be about 900 years old at this point. I really would prefer her to live eternally and dispense zingers and spar with Isobel forever more. Downton isn't Downton without her.

😂

Edited September 25, 2019 by PentaHookUp
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[tennisgurl]

Watching this movie was like sipping on a perfect cup of tea with a lovely fire in the fireplace while reading a good book. It was basically a long, generally light hearted episode, which is really what I wanted from this movie. It was mostly just fun without a ton of drama (no one died in a car accident or of polio all of the sudden) and everyone gets a happy ending. Even Violet knowing that she is dying is more bittersweet than depressing, as she is at peace with things and is happy looking back on her well lived life of dishing out sick burns and life advice in fabulous hats. Plus, Violet has to be at least 90 at this point, it kind of makes sense and this is the best way to do it. Her scene with Mary was really great, I always loved their relationship.

I watched this with my mom who has never seen the show, and she liked it a lot even without any context, and her whispered questions about who everyone was married to and who was connected to who how (I think she was convinced that Tom and Mary were married for half the movie) were kind of hilarious. "Wait, when did her husband die? How many dead spouse are there? He was their chauffeur?! Hold on, who do these children belong to?"

I liked watching all of the downstairs crew all band together to get to serve the king and queen and get the dignity they deserve. Its a bit ridiculous, but it was a lot of fun, and after all the strife and drama over the seasons, it was nice to see everyone together and getting a big win.

Glad that Tom found someone, and that its the adorable and very Britishly named Tuppence Middleton! I liked her character, and they seem to be a good match. Even Thomas got a cute new boyfriend, even if he also got arrested for a minute, but then he got a sweet goodbye kiss and a "dont forget to call me" and it was all good! 

Also, there is a random assassination plot, because Downton Abbey can be pretty weird and soapy sometimes. What can you do?

So many fabulous outfits! The 20s looks great on everybody. 

[jacksgirl]

Need a sequel! Tom (Branson) and Thomas (Barrow) got better looking. Love to see them both happy.

[MerBearHou]

Loved the movie for all of the reasons mentioned above (have seen it twice already) and had fun telling my daughter about the real life couples -- Mr. Carson and Lady Bagshaw, Andy and Edith, Molesley and Isobel, and not-seen Rose (missed her but it makes sense) and Prince Philip from The Crown which we also adore.  

I'd welcome another one!  Yes, some of the staff would have retired like Carson perhaps, but life lives on at Downton Abbey and it would be cool to continue with it.

[Spunkygal]

17 minutes ago, MerBearHou said:

Loved the movie for all of the reasons mentioned above (have seen it twice already) and had fun telling my daughter about the real life couples -- Mr. Carson and Lady Bagshaw, Andy and Edith, Molesley and Isobel, and not-seen Rose (missed her but it makes sense) and Prince Philip from The Crown which we also adore.  

I'd welcome another one!  Yes, some of the staff would have retired like Carson perhaps, but life lives on at Downton Abbey and it would be cool to continue with it.

Wait, what?! Moseley and Isabel are a couple IRL? 

[MerBearHou]

2 hours ago, Spunkygal said:

Wait, what?! Moseley and Isabel are a couple IRL? 

How about that??!!  They certainly were -- there are happy coupley pictures online.  Anyone know if they still are?  

[Sarah 103]

On 9/21/2019 at 7:30 PM, Miss Slay said:

Oh and this film was missing a villain. 

Most of the Royal Downstairs staff served as the villian. 

[Miss Slay]

1 hour ago, Sarah 103 said:

Most of the Royal Downstairs staff served as the villian. 

My point was that it didn't work.

[Cheezwiz]

15 hours ago, Miss Slay said:

Most of the Royal Downstairs staff served as the villian. 

15 hours ago, Miss Slay said:

My point was that it didn't work.

Although entertaining and visually beautiful, the stakes were definitely not very high in this film AT ALL.  The main suspense came from waiting to see what mortifying thing Moseley would say or do!

[hendersonrocks]

Just saw it today on $5 day at the movies and that felt about right! I enjoyed it for the total fan service that it was.

You know what made me happiest? That Mr. Bates had about five lines. I guess I was REALLY over the nonstop Bates drama by the end of the series! 

[annzeepark914]

I saw this movie yesterday and 3/4 of the way through was bored (although I loved and truly miss the PBS series).  I know I'm in the minority here but I never really cared for the Tom the Chauffeur/Irish rebel character and felt the actor always delivered his lines in a stilted manner. His story with the "maid" was predictable and schmaltzy. As someone else here stated, when Julian writes the next movie, he needs to have some assistance.  The next movie also needs to include some more of the history of the times. That's what made DA on TV so fascinating (and not a soap opera)...it wove in actual history, brought WWI to life.  The two characters I thought had aged were Thomas, of course, and Isobel's husband (didn't even recognize him at first).  Isobel looked so pretty and youthful...no longer matronly. The best scenes IMO were at the start, with the old train cranking up, and the old royal mail truck driving up to that magnificent house/castle/manor with the beautiful DA music playing.

[proserpina65]

Finally managed to see this last weekend, and I enjoyed it.  It wasn't brilliant or earth-shattering, but it was warm, lovely comfort food.  The scenery, the house/car/clothes/jewelry porn, the humor - it all worked for me.  And I do have to say that the fashions of the time suited Edith so much more than they did Mary.

[proserpina65]

On ‎09‎/‎21‎/‎2019 at 8:05 PM, Crs97 said:

Edith certainly didn’t disappoint - she spent all series whining about her lot in life, she wins the lottery on all levels and spends the movie . . . whining about her lot in life.

A) I didn't think she was whining.  B) I don't blame her for not being over the moon at the restrictions her new life placed on her.  She'd spent years breaking away from her family's expectations and finding a job she was good at and truly enjoyed, and then to have that freedom taken away from her, even if it was for the sake of love, had to have been very hard.  Yes, it was realistic to the time, but her chafing at the requirements of her role was also realistic.