‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ – Review
A new dawn rises on the tranquil estate of Downton Abbey as we move towards the end of the late 1920s and at the arrival of the 1930s and in this new era of progress and wonder, long time fans of the beloved series will find themselves transported into another steller story of the Crawley Family in one of 2022’s must-watch cinema events, Downton Abbey: A New Era.
From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
Once again Lord Julian Fellowes takes audiences back to Downton Abbey in the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster event, Downton Abbey, with Downton Abbey: A New Era. And once more his masterful storytelling abilities are on full display. Lord Fellowes takes his audience on a tangent in Downton Abbey: A New Era and splits the narrative in two separate directions. While one half of the story stays within the confines of the splendid halls of Downton Abbey, which sees the arrival of a film company and its setting as the place of a major motion picture, the second sees a collection of the Crawley family hopping over the ditch to the south of France to receive possession of a mysterious villa gifted to the Dowager Countess. From beginning to end mystery, intrigue, comedy and fun abound in Downton Abbey: A New Era and Lord Fellowes blends multiple story arcs between the narrative to tell a complete and compelling story that leaves his audience smiling with sincere joy.
All of your old favourites return for this much watch sequel, and just as in 2019’s Downton Abbey, all of the major characters each get their moment in the spotlight and have a key role to play in the events of this dramatic and expansive film. Key standouts from the cast include Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbott, who completely comes into her own in the film and is very much the mistress of Downton Abbey and who takes a keen stake in overseeing the film shoot that has come to its grounds. Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern again make a grand pair as Lord and Lady Grantham and their relationship sees a considerable test of faith not only in each other but also in the very history of Downton as well. And of course, the indomitable Dame Maggie Smith is once again an absolute treasure in her performance as Violet Crawley, The Dowager Countess and her quick wit and sharp mind is on full display in what is a defining moment for her character.
Alongside the return of The Crawley family and their servants, Downton Abbey: A New Era also introduces the audience to several new characters, who also make their mark on the audience. Arriving with his camera in hand as ambitious filmmaker Jack Barber is Hugh Dancy, and he’s a wonderful addition to the cast, who with his quick thinking and talented eye quickly makes an impression on Mary. And it’s incredibly juicy to watch the two of them together on-screen. Seasoned thespian Dominic West brings a dashing Clark Gable-esque quality to leading actor Guy Dexter who takes the lead in Barber’s latest film, The Gambler and he makes quite an impression on all at Downton. And finally stealing the show is Laura Haddock as Myrna Dalgleish, Barber’s leading lady and a woman of utterly radiant beauty who also happens to be an extreme Prima donna, and Haddock’s performance and presence livens things up quickly in the film’s proceedings.
Downton Abbey: A New Era is utterly flawless in its visual presentation, and once again this is a film that comes with all the trimmings. Grand locations, flawless costuming, and perfectly applied hair and make-up bring to life the glamour and grandeur of the late 1920s and there are plenty of visuals that are certain to marvel and sparkle in your eye. Of particular fun to the film is the expansion that is brought by the Crawley’s visit to the south of France and the summer getaway vibes of Art Nouveau styling of their new villa and the bright blue skies and yellow sun rays that bath them in warmth as they arrive. Both director Simon Curtis and cinematographer Andrew Dunn have a unique flair for getting everything out of the images that arrive on the big screen and the visual flair is utterly mesmerizing to look upon.
Many themes find their way into the narrative of Downton Abbey: A New Era, but the film’s central tenants of family and the passage of time make the biggest impression on the story. From 1912 through to 1929, we have watched the story of the Crawleys and those around them with wonder and glee and changing times, changing morals, and changing social strata all have been commented on in the past. This passing of time and the importance that it gives us as life’s most precious resource has a special relevance to the proceedings of this film, and there are moments in this film where tears are sure to flow.
Everything about Downton Abbey: A New Era comes together in perfect cohesion and the final result of this film is a grand piece of cinema that must be seen on the big screen to truly be appreciated. It’s a film that long time fans and those new to the series will cherish with enjoyment and it is utterly charming and delightful to watch at every moment.
Image: Universal Pictures
