Lovely to see the cast back again. Script and acting as good as ever. But this film was spoiled for me by the choice of director. In my opinion he just doesn't understand the essential appeal of the piece. Cut, cut, cut.......formulaic and totally out of keeping with the Downtown magic. Such a shame.he has turned this into just any old film rather than embracing the Downton feel. The whole thing feels a bit like a pastiche. Pace is all wrong and it lacks the period feel of both the tv series and the previous film. The whole effect is rather mechanical and lacking in charm which is a real pity.
271 Reviews
A new era begins
TheLittleSongbird23 October 2023
'Downton Abbey: A New Era' (2022)
Opening thoughts: Absolutely loved 'Downton Abbey' throughout its run and still do when watching repeats, so well made, written and acted (how could it not be with that cast) and not too demanding. It was always one of my most-anticipated programmes every year with each season and more often than not was a yearly highlight. Also enjoyed the first 'Downton Abbey' film a lot, it wasn't perfect but was a charming and entertaining piece of escapism that succeeded in many areas.
Was absolutely thrilled hearing that there was a follow up and 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' was seen without hesitation when it was finally available. And you know what? 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' was every bit as good for similar reasons and also a charming, polished and entertaining piece of escapism that doesn't try to do any more than necessary. It isn't perfect and is a little disappointing compared to the show, with the mistakes the first film made being repeated, but so much is also done right.
Bad things: 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' has its problems. The editing is a bit too abrupt at times, especially towards the end of scenes when ends of conversations jumped to scenery shots which made the film feel a little jumpy. Like the first film, there are a number of subplots and characters and again this reviewer couldn't help thinking that there were too many and some of them were too under-utilised. Especially when in the Riviera. A longer length of 15-20 minutes would have helped it and made it feel less like a season's worth of film.
Furthermore, it was sad that Nathalie Baye and especially Brendan Coyle have practically nothing to do, which is pretty criminal.
Good things: However, so much is good. It looks absolutely great, very sumptuous and clearly done with a lot of polish. Reminding me of what makes me love period dramas so much. Downton looks imposing and a feast for the eyes, like its own character, and its elegant interiors brings back fond memories of visiting national trusts. The photography is beautifully framed, the costumes evocative of its period and the scenery takes the breath away. The stunning French Riviera vistas stealing the show. The music avoids over-scoring and intrusion and the hypnotic main theme hasn't lost any of its magic. The direction is controlled and doesn't feel too television bound, opening up the drama enough. Sure, the arrangements may not be true to period but the music choices are very nostalgic.
Writing is witty and heart-warming, the disdainful put-downs and one liners from Violet really standing out. The story is not too dull and does compel, entertain and warm the heart, despite being over-crowded. Everything that happens at Downton is immensely charming and a lot of fun. The ending is incredibly touching and loved the 'Singin in the Rain' (a favourite of mine) influence. The cast are near-uniformly good, apart from the waste of Baye and Coyle. Michelle Dockery and Hugh Dancy are charming, Elizabeth McGovern is moving and Laura Haddock and Maggie Smith are uproariously funny.
Concluding thoughts: Concluding, not great but very well executed on the whole.
7/10.
Opening thoughts: Absolutely loved 'Downton Abbey' throughout its run and still do when watching repeats, so well made, written and acted (how could it not be with that cast) and not too demanding. It was always one of my most-anticipated programmes every year with each season and more often than not was a yearly highlight. Also enjoyed the first 'Downton Abbey' film a lot, it wasn't perfect but was a charming and entertaining piece of escapism that succeeded in many areas.
Was absolutely thrilled hearing that there was a follow up and 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' was seen without hesitation when it was finally available. And you know what? 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' was every bit as good for similar reasons and also a charming, polished and entertaining piece of escapism that doesn't try to do any more than necessary. It isn't perfect and is a little disappointing compared to the show, with the mistakes the first film made being repeated, but so much is also done right.
Bad things: 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' has its problems. The editing is a bit too abrupt at times, especially towards the end of scenes when ends of conversations jumped to scenery shots which made the film feel a little jumpy. Like the first film, there are a number of subplots and characters and again this reviewer couldn't help thinking that there were too many and some of them were too under-utilised. Especially when in the Riviera. A longer length of 15-20 minutes would have helped it and made it feel less like a season's worth of film.
Furthermore, it was sad that Nathalie Baye and especially Brendan Coyle have practically nothing to do, which is pretty criminal.
Good things: However, so much is good. It looks absolutely great, very sumptuous and clearly done with a lot of polish. Reminding me of what makes me love period dramas so much. Downton looks imposing and a feast for the eyes, like its own character, and its elegant interiors brings back fond memories of visiting national trusts. The photography is beautifully framed, the costumes evocative of its period and the scenery takes the breath away. The stunning French Riviera vistas stealing the show. The music avoids over-scoring and intrusion and the hypnotic main theme hasn't lost any of its magic. The direction is controlled and doesn't feel too television bound, opening up the drama enough. Sure, the arrangements may not be true to period but the music choices are very nostalgic.
Writing is witty and heart-warming, the disdainful put-downs and one liners from Violet really standing out. The story is not too dull and does compel, entertain and warm the heart, despite being over-crowded. Everything that happens at Downton is immensely charming and a lot of fun. The ending is incredibly touching and loved the 'Singin in the Rain' (a favourite of mine) influence. The cast are near-uniformly good, apart from the waste of Baye and Coyle. Michelle Dockery and Hugh Dancy are charming, Elizabeth McGovern is moving and Laura Haddock and Maggie Smith are uproariously funny.
Concluding thoughts: Concluding, not great but very well executed on the whole.
7/10.
Hits the right notes
deason28 April 2022
Fans of the tv show and earlier film will get the most out of this, with plenty of dangling plot threads deftly picked up and woven into a satisfying series of resolutions.
There's plenty of strongly emotional moments here. It plays like one of the Christmas specials but more so, and combines an appropriately high stakes 19th century historical family mystery with an examination of an industry on the cusp of a revolution, as metaphor for Downton and the Crawleys doing their best to survive in a changing world. Hints are given how they will manage it.
This is not the place to start with Downton, and the movie assumes wise viewers know that. With so many characters, with so much history, the audience are given not so much introductions as little reminders.
As is traditional, Maggie Smith gets most of the best lines, but there are no weak performances. There's even a scattering of wisdom here and there among the drollery and drama.
There's plenty of strongly emotional moments here. It plays like one of the Christmas specials but more so, and combines an appropriately high stakes 19th century historical family mystery with an examination of an industry on the cusp of a revolution, as metaphor for Downton and the Crawleys doing their best to survive in a changing world. Hints are given how they will manage it.
This is not the place to start with Downton, and the movie assumes wise viewers know that. With so many characters, with so much history, the audience are given not so much introductions as little reminders.
As is traditional, Maggie Smith gets most of the best lines, but there are no weak performances. There's even a scattering of wisdom here and there among the drollery and drama.
The Downton mystique is alive and well. And the cinematography is superb.
JohnDeSando20 May 2022
High-class soap-opera-like Downton Abbey: A New Era should be called what it really is: high-class melodrama. Here is a rambling story with too many characters, but who cares? Because it's told so well with each character clearly defined and loveable.
After the binge-worthy six-sessions TV series in the early 2010's, the 2019 film, with its visit from royalty, held up well enough to spawn this sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, in which the aristocratic Crawley family is crawling into the 1930's, with The Great Depression, wars, and innovations imminent. The film creates a vitality even in a staid Brit world largely because of a robust screenplay and spot-on actors. Not to forget drone shots of the impossibly cinematic estate.
In fact, no melodramatic villain appears, if you exclude the arch-disturber, Change. Writer Julian Fellowes and director Simon Curtis have crafted a rousing fable about a new era as it approaches the third decade of the 20th century through the lens of a visiting Hollywood production to the Abbey.
Marry that modern incursion to the hidebound Brit tradition and you have a sentimental farewell to the old world, signified by the sharp-witted Dowager Countess Violet (Maggie Smith), who is ready to pass the estate and a newly-added villa in the south of France to the younger Granthams. A formidable subplot is the change the Hollywood production itself must face as sound trounces silent movies and same-sex relationships emerge, galaxies away from our modern acceptance of sexual orientations.
The most moving scene is when the production learns it has to create a sound track in order to continue filming. Watching them sync the sound (dubbing so to speak) to the actors for the first time since they saw Jolson say a few words in The Jazz Singer is just as if we were in a time machine witnessing that monumental change almost 100 years ago.
Downton Abbey is a state of mind, not a place, where our dreams of upper-class blissful isolation clash with the realities of life both for the rich and the poor. Throughout is a benign sense of humanity's essential goodness and our common bonds. Cinema has brought us together in time and sympathy-see A New Era in a theater with its glorious visuals and commanding sound-We've come a long way, Baby.
After the binge-worthy six-sessions TV series in the early 2010's, the 2019 film, with its visit from royalty, held up well enough to spawn this sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era, in which the aristocratic Crawley family is crawling into the 1930's, with The Great Depression, wars, and innovations imminent. The film creates a vitality even in a staid Brit world largely because of a robust screenplay and spot-on actors. Not to forget drone shots of the impossibly cinematic estate.
In fact, no melodramatic villain appears, if you exclude the arch-disturber, Change. Writer Julian Fellowes and director Simon Curtis have crafted a rousing fable about a new era as it approaches the third decade of the 20th century through the lens of a visiting Hollywood production to the Abbey.
Marry that modern incursion to the hidebound Brit tradition and you have a sentimental farewell to the old world, signified by the sharp-witted Dowager Countess Violet (Maggie Smith), who is ready to pass the estate and a newly-added villa in the south of France to the younger Granthams. A formidable subplot is the change the Hollywood production itself must face as sound trounces silent movies and same-sex relationships emerge, galaxies away from our modern acceptance of sexual orientations.
The most moving scene is when the production learns it has to create a sound track in order to continue filming. Watching them sync the sound (dubbing so to speak) to the actors for the first time since they saw Jolson say a few words in The Jazz Singer is just as if we were in a time machine witnessing that monumental change almost 100 years ago.
Downton Abbey is a state of mind, not a place, where our dreams of upper-class blissful isolation clash with the realities of life both for the rich and the poor. Throughout is a benign sense of humanity's essential goodness and our common bonds. Cinema has brought us together in time and sympathy-see A New Era in a theater with its glorious visuals and commanding sound-We've come a long way, Baby.
Better than the first movie
frizzardi3 May 2022
The plot interweaves two stories - one is an intriguing surprise about Lady Violet's past, the other is a more standard "new things happening at Downton", but at least it's better than the visit of the King and Queen that passed for a plot in the first movie.
Several characters have a fitting closure - Molesley's was a bit of a surprise, but not too forced; ditto for Barrow.
Acting is good as usual, and the new characters fit in nicely with the tried-and-tested cast. Scenography is top notch.
I'd definitely recommend it for fans of the TV series, and for those who were disappointed by the first movie.
Several characters have a fitting closure - Molesley's was a bit of a surprise, but not too forced; ditto for Barrow.
Acting is good as usual, and the new characters fit in nicely with the tried-and-tested cast. Scenography is top notch.
I'd definitely recommend it for fans of the TV series, and for those who were disappointed by the first movie.
Beautiful!
carolescher1 May 2022
What a masterpiece! I'm a fan from the series and I must admit that seeing the cast all together for all these years so happy and cheerful is a true blessing and we all must be so grateful. I went to the Movie Theater today and everyone was enjoying so much! People were always laughing at Maggie's jokes and commenting on each scene... it's pure excitement. I have no words to describe my love for Downton Abbey.
The Abbey Has a Leaky Room
krobbins-5246812 November 2022
True to form, the Abbey is showing its age. On the surface, it seems to be the same monument to class distinctions as seen in the beginning. But the place has aged along with its upstairs and downstairs occupants. Many promised character developments have been realized, but the big one remains in the air, dangling like a lure on a fishing line: the promise of a revitalized, reshaped aristocracy or class structure. The final episodes of the TV series indicated that such is inevitable, but in this film, it is forgotten. In its place is a curious notation about the new game in town: filmmaking. Warning: if you like "Singing in the Rain," you may cringe a little at one of the major plot points. Though not a waste of time, the film did not encourage me to return to the original series. That must wait for more of an invitation.
Brings all our favorite characters together again in interesting circumstances. Fans will love what's in store in this new film.
rannynm13 May 2022
The Crawley family returns once more! Downton Abbey: A New Era brings all our favorite characters together again in interesting circumstances. Fans will love what's in store in this new film.
Downton Abbey: A New Era focuses on the secret past of the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith). She comes into possession of a property in the South of France. Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his family head to France to investigate why the villa was given to his mother. Meanwhile back at Downton, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) hosts a crew of filmmakers and actors who use the estate as a set for their new film.
It's so incredible to return to the Downton Abbey era and the Crawley family. Each one is out of their comfort zone in this new movie, which is absolutely hilarious. Lady Mary becomes a voice actress temporarily and seeing Robert hate the film crew for taking over his property is as funny as possible. The Crawleys have seen the times change and preparing for cinema to take over is amazing. It makes audiences realize how this generation saw life change so rapidly. Tom Branson (Allen Leech) is happily married and some new couples flourish in the film too. It's beautiful to see how much the characters have changed since the first time we met them in 2010. This movie focuses on relationships and characters that we haven't seen that often. It's refreshing to watch the pure relationship Daisy (Sophia McShera) and Andrew (Michael Fox) have and I loved watching fan-favorite Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) chase her love. The wardrobe is as spectacular as ever, even adding some Victorian pieces for the film being madet at Downton. The comedy is brilliant and cunning, reminding us why we love Violet as much as we do.
There are many messages to take away here. Lady Mary learns to embrace the new era of filmmaking and life as she gets out of her comfort zone and realizes that it's okay to try new things. Lord Grantham learns that, even though being Earl and having property is a big part of his life, it is not everything. He realizes how important his family is to him.
I give Downton Abbey: A New Era 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18 plus adults. It releases in theaters May 18, 2022. By Heather S., KIDS FIRST!
Downton Abbey: A New Era focuses on the secret past of the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith). She comes into possession of a property in the South of France. Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his family head to France to investigate why the villa was given to his mother. Meanwhile back at Downton, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) hosts a crew of filmmakers and actors who use the estate as a set for their new film.
It's so incredible to return to the Downton Abbey era and the Crawley family. Each one is out of their comfort zone in this new movie, which is absolutely hilarious. Lady Mary becomes a voice actress temporarily and seeing Robert hate the film crew for taking over his property is as funny as possible. The Crawleys have seen the times change and preparing for cinema to take over is amazing. It makes audiences realize how this generation saw life change so rapidly. Tom Branson (Allen Leech) is happily married and some new couples flourish in the film too. It's beautiful to see how much the characters have changed since the first time we met them in 2010. This movie focuses on relationships and characters that we haven't seen that often. It's refreshing to watch the pure relationship Daisy (Sophia McShera) and Andrew (Michael Fox) have and I loved watching fan-favorite Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) chase her love. The wardrobe is as spectacular as ever, even adding some Victorian pieces for the film being madet at Downton. The comedy is brilliant and cunning, reminding us why we love Violet as much as we do.
There are many messages to take away here. Lady Mary learns to embrace the new era of filmmaking and life as she gets out of her comfort zone and realizes that it's okay to try new things. Lord Grantham learns that, even though being Earl and having property is a big part of his life, it is not everything. He realizes how important his family is to him.
I give Downton Abbey: A New Era 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18 plus adults. It releases in theaters May 18, 2022. By Heather S., KIDS FIRST!
Not what it used to be
roxmewild22 August 2022
I have been an avid fan of Downtown abbey the tv series and films it has always been beautifully filmed capturing a time long gone this movie is no exception. However I did find the script and storyline of this movie is below par and quite predictable which saddens me to say! Same top class cast that delivered as always I will always enjoy watching just this time the script was dissapointing imo ! Dame Maggie Smith is a legend and Downton will miss her in any future offerings.
Superb!
robfollower21 May 2022
Downton Abbey has achieved another goal: it stands on its own in film cinema , as well as in television series production.
For those who have followed the series from the beginning will not be disappointed with the latest offering of Downton Abbey "A New Era"! Julian Fellows is a very clever writer . Both upstairs and downstairs. A delightfully charming British drama.
Downton Abbey continues to prove that perfection in music composition(The music score in this movie by John Lunn with the Downton theme is sublime) , writing, acting, wardrobe, directing, producing, cinematography, set design, location and casting, and in the finest attention to the minutest detail and period accuracy.
If you're a Downton fan there is no way that you can miss this film! It unashamedly pulls at the heart strings as the story takes you on a journey of highs & lows with some unexpected turns.
For those who have followed the series from the beginning will not be disappointed with the latest offering of Downton Abbey "A New Era"! Julian Fellows is a very clever writer . Both upstairs and downstairs. A delightfully charming British drama.
Downton Abbey continues to prove that perfection in music composition(The music score in this movie by John Lunn with the Downton theme is sublime) , writing, acting, wardrobe, directing, producing, cinematography, set design, location and casting, and in the finest attention to the minutest detail and period accuracy.
If you're a Downton fan there is no way that you can miss this film! It unashamedly pulls at the heart strings as the story takes you on a journey of highs & lows with some unexpected turns.
Sit-Com Setting for the Dramatic Series
TheFearmakers22 May 2022
They took a kind of breezy sit-com plot, about a movie being made in the Downton Abbey house, combined with a side-story about Maggie Smith inheriting a French villa from an ex lover, and split apart the rich and poor characters to where neither can do very much to help either story along...
For instance, Carson is the most against the movie production company disrupting the house, so they send him to France where he basically does nothing. Wouldn't he be better batting heads with the studio? God knows, that would have made for a terrific episode...
As for the overall drama/melodrama that the series is known for, there aren't too many shocks or surprises except for a searing epilogue, a few near-trysts along the way and, not counting a semi-intriguing history lesson about silent film stars fearing the introduction of "talkies" (already known from Singin' in the Rain), it's in one ear, out the other, and without any necessary tension or conflict...
Ironically, up on the big screen, the characters seem much smaller, somehow, while the director doesn't savor the larger-than-life beauty and elegance of Downton or even France for that matter...
Then again, for lightweight comedy, it's not a bad 90-minutes: Just don't except A New Era to equal the terrific British series that, for the most part, feels far too "Hollywood" here.
For instance, Carson is the most against the movie production company disrupting the house, so they send him to France where he basically does nothing. Wouldn't he be better batting heads with the studio? God knows, that would have made for a terrific episode...
As for the overall drama/melodrama that the series is known for, there aren't too many shocks or surprises except for a searing epilogue, a few near-trysts along the way and, not counting a semi-intriguing history lesson about silent film stars fearing the introduction of "talkies" (already known from Singin' in the Rain), it's in one ear, out the other, and without any necessary tension or conflict...
Ironically, up on the big screen, the characters seem much smaller, somehow, while the director doesn't savor the larger-than-life beauty and elegance of Downton or even France for that matter...
Then again, for lightweight comedy, it's not a bad 90-minutes: Just don't except A New Era to equal the terrific British series that, for the most part, feels far too "Hollywood" here.
A sheer joy.
TomFarrell6330 April 2022
As a Downton fan, I couldn't have wished for a better film. Whilst I enjoyed the first one, this is on another level entirely, don't know if it's bigger budget, or everyone was more relaxed after the success of the first, but there's pure joy leaping off the screen.
To go into the story would spoil it, so I won't, suffice to say if you enjoy Downton you will love this.
Film snobs will no doubt call it schmalzty, but for me it's two hours of absolutely fantastic escapism... Highly recommended.
To go into the story would spoil it, so I won't, suffice to say if you enjoy Downton you will love this.
Film snobs will no doubt call it schmalzty, but for me it's two hours of absolutely fantastic escapism... Highly recommended.
A Great Wrapping Up The Series
martimusross30 April 2022
Downton Abbey - A New Era
It was great!
This was very much a movie for the fans, and it very much felt like the end of road.
In the last movie the King's visit provided the central focus of the plot, here we had a less focused shooting a movie at Downton and the family inheriting a French villa.
To my mind I enjoyed the movie making but the villa story was quite a bore as it proved to be all a lot about very little.
As with any movie that wants to dot the i's and cross the t's at the ending of a franchise it necessarily becomes sentimental and self-indulgent. I think overall this element was handled brilliantly and we had an emotional rollercoaster.
I'm giving this a firm 7 outta 10, I'm a major fan so it's probably is a firm 6 lol.
It was great!
This was very much a movie for the fans, and it very much felt like the end of road.
In the last movie the King's visit provided the central focus of the plot, here we had a less focused shooting a movie at Downton and the family inheriting a French villa.
To my mind I enjoyed the movie making but the villa story was quite a bore as it proved to be all a lot about very little.
As with any movie that wants to dot the i's and cross the t's at the ending of a franchise it necessarily becomes sentimental and self-indulgent. I think overall this element was handled brilliantly and we had an emotional rollercoaster.
I'm giving this a firm 7 outta 10, I'm a major fan so it's probably is a firm 6 lol.
The film is like a two hour version of the French and Saunders parody of "House of Elliot", which they called "House of Idiot".
nickrogers196927 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The scriptwriting is like painting by numbers. All scenes are very short with actors saying two lines and then leaving. There's no depth at all. Any attempt is woefully shallow. The Earl hears a rumour that he may be illegitimate and worries about that the entire movie until his mother says that no, he isn't illegitimate. End of worry. The countess "looks tired" and may have a fatal illness until the doctor says no, it's not cancer, she's all right. End of worry. The servants love being servants. The clothes are dull. The story is predictable. Why has this series become so popular? It's not great filmmaking or good scriptwriting.
It surprised me!
nick42 May 2022
I always try and avoid watching trailers or other spoilers for movies that I know I am going to watch, so this film was much more engrossing and emotional than I expected it to be!
It is definitely worth seeing in the cinema, as the cinematography, music and sound is very well done and best experienced on a grand scale.
Overall, it makes a nice change to see such a nice pleasant film and a change from the usual generic super hero movie.
It is definitely worth seeing in the cinema, as the cinematography, music and sound is very well done and best experienced on a grand scale.
Overall, it makes a nice change to see such a nice pleasant film and a change from the usual generic super hero movie.
Downton Abbey: A New Era
henry8-35 January 2023
Second outing based on the popular TV series. As the thirties approaches a film crew offers a lot of money to film at Downton much to the disgust of Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) but excitement of the staff and the dowager (Maggie Smith) mysteriously inherits a villa in the south of France which Lord Grantham and co visit.
Whilst this has a pretty unlikely plot, if you like the series you'll thoroughly enjoy this warming experience driven by the many popular characters that have been so loved over the years. There are a lot of little support stories going on here as well to allow everyone something to do and possibly the suggestion that this might be the end of the day for this famous English families stories. Who knows.
If you don't know Downton and obviously don't know the characters it seems unlikely that you'll get much out of it.
Whilst this has a pretty unlikely plot, if you like the series you'll thoroughly enjoy this warming experience driven by the many popular characters that have been so loved over the years. There are a lot of little support stories going on here as well to allow everyone something to do and possibly the suggestion that this might be the end of the day for this famous English families stories. Who knows.
If you don't know Downton and obviously don't know the characters it seems unlikely that you'll get much out of it.
I love being British
Jordyboy218730 April 2022
I haven't watch the TV series outside a few random episodes I walked in on but this movie still managed to engage me right from the start. The humour is great, the acting is phenomenal and there are many emotional moments throughout the film. This film makes me proud to be British.
It's a perfect example on how to do strong female characters. For some reason Hollywood's method to creating strong female characters is just give them characteristics typically associated with men. This film manages to have strong female characters while actually keeping them female. Not only that but it's also the perfect example on how to include gay characters without it feeling forced.
I love that this is a film about making a film. I especially love how the film basically pokes fun at the entire industry. As someone who has worked on film sets, this movie perfectly depicts the behind the scenes of filmmaking. The sound guy in this movie is my favourite character since I have met many sound guys and they pretty much all act in the exact same way he does.
It's a perfect example on how to do strong female characters. For some reason Hollywood's method to creating strong female characters is just give them characteristics typically associated with men. This film manages to have strong female characters while actually keeping them female. Not only that but it's also the perfect example on how to include gay characters without it feeling forced.
I love that this is a film about making a film. I especially love how the film basically pokes fun at the entire industry. As someone who has worked on film sets, this movie perfectly depicts the behind the scenes of filmmaking. The sound guy in this movie is my favourite character since I have met many sound guys and they pretty much all act in the exact same way he does.
Should have been a series
hamish-3529 December 2022
This feels as if Julian Fellowes turned in the script for an 8-hour series, but was told by the producers to go away and shrink it down to a 2-hour movie, but to lose none of the plot elements.
It never gives any of the major parts of the story, or any of the potential couplings, or the newly-discovered skills of our main characters, a real chance to be seen to grow.
The new high-profile supporting cast members - in England or France - aren't given enough backstory or chance for us to understand their characters fully.
Of course the cast are brilliant, the locations amazing, the banter as sharp as ever.
However I feel this whole story would have been so much better as a series. As a film I think it fails.
It never gives any of the major parts of the story, or any of the potential couplings, or the newly-discovered skills of our main characters, a real chance to be seen to grow.
The new high-profile supporting cast members - in England or France - aren't given enough backstory or chance for us to understand their characters fully.
Of course the cast are brilliant, the locations amazing, the banter as sharp as ever.
However I feel this whole story would have been so much better as a series. As a film I think it fails.
A Masterpiece Can't wait for the 3rd film
GusherPop20 May 2022
The title of "Downton Abbey: A New Era" pledges that change has arrived at the Grantham family's mansion after six seasons of television, a previous film and a zeitgeist shift that has caused a chunk of the show's original audience to start regarding its characters' generational wealth with disgust and relish, as though it were a wheel of rotten Stilton. The stately series that began its story with the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 has now arrived at the tail end of the 1920s. The choppy waters of modernity are materializing on the horizon. To stay afloat, this amiable sequel decides to ever so slightly democratize itself: The upstairs-downstairs division that has long separated the estate's masters from their servants begins to leak. So does Downton Abbey's roof, which motivates Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) to rent the cash-poor estate to a team shooting a silent film - makers of "kin-ema," as Lady Mary's father, Robert (Hugh Bonneville), calls it, disdainfully mispronouncing the name of the art form. (The moviemaking plot point may have been inspired by real life: The franchise's shooting location, Highclere Castle, which resembles a vampire bat's underbite, opened its doors to the show after Geordie Herbert, the Eighth Earl of Carnarvon and Queen Elizabeth II's godson, realized that dozens of its rooms were rotting.) Downton Abbey: A New Era takes us back to those familiar faces, but it's clear from the first bars of that gorgeous, rousing theme music that things are a little different this time around. The establishing shots of the house and the surrounding estate make the place seem so stately and grand that I actually gasped when I beheld them. The 2019 film was directed by Michael Engler, who has spent more than 25 years helming episodes of TV shows like My So-Called Life, Sex and the City, and, yes, Downton Abbey. Not, I hasten to add, that there's anything wrong with that. There were some excellent sequences in the first film, especially its dynamic opening scene. But it looked like an episode of television, specifically an extended episode of Downton Abbey., the acting, the emotion of the film was the best I've seen since the first episode of Downton Abbey in 2010.
Thank you Maggie Smith.
Thank you Maggie Smith.
Down and Out
bryangary6525 October 2023
Loved the television series of Downton, but the films have been a disappointment with flimsy storylines and most of the actors just going through the motions
This 'A New Era' chapter is pretty predictable and yes although a feel good vibe is communicated to the audience it just leaves you void of any sort of genuine emotion come the end though it's harmless enough entertainment for a day when you don't want to engage with any negativity
Acting wise thought Dominic West was fairly good, and of the 'regulars' only Michelle Dockery seemed interested
Hopefully this is the end of the franchise but would recommend watching the television box sets.
What a Gorgeous Film!
Tony-Holmes12 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, gorgeous, a wonderful British cast (who look like they had great fun along the way), and no shoot-outs, car chases, daft monsters, witches, hobgoblins, or nutters running amok, but a great script that skilfully juggles 2 stories, one at Downton, one on the Riviera.
There's a wedding, a proposal, a birth, and sadly a death (that won't be a surprise to longterm fans) but it's all wonderfully handled - and a few of the servants show some hitherto hidden talents, as indeed does one of the 'above-stairs' crowd. Just about all the cast gets a moment in the spotlight -- some, quite a few! -- and there are lots of great lines to savour, one of our favourite bits was Maud choosing a straw hat for Carson (wearing a bowler in the extreme Riviera heat!) and the shop assistant referring to "your husband", which he IS of course in real life, but their social strata in the play are miles apart!! {She giggles going out of the shop}.
Just a joy to watch, and though at least one reviewer refers to "end of the road", and "dotting Is, crossing Ts", I wouldn't be certain to rule out a further film, after all there are quite a few of the cast who are not that old, and the 1930s as they move towards WW2 could have some interesting stories to tell?
Given the absolute joy of watching this one, let's hope they CAN do another one?!
There's a wedding, a proposal, a birth, and sadly a death (that won't be a surprise to longterm fans) but it's all wonderfully handled - and a few of the servants show some hitherto hidden talents, as indeed does one of the 'above-stairs' crowd. Just about all the cast gets a moment in the spotlight -- some, quite a few! -- and there are lots of great lines to savour, one of our favourite bits was Maud choosing a straw hat for Carson (wearing a bowler in the extreme Riviera heat!) and the shop assistant referring to "your husband", which he IS of course in real life, but their social strata in the play are miles apart!! {She giggles going out of the shop}.
Just a joy to watch, and though at least one reviewer refers to "end of the road", and "dotting Is, crossing Ts", I wouldn't be certain to rule out a further film, after all there are quite a few of the cast who are not that old, and the 1930s as they move towards WW2 could have some interesting stories to tell?
Given the absolute joy of watching this one, let's hope they CAN do another one?!
Sappy Soap Opera
True_Reviews4 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is a continuation of the Downton Abbey series as a movie. If you were a fan of the TV Series you will enjoy it, although it is not as good as the original series. That being said the story is very predictable and quite sappy. The characters are still same but there is much more romance in the two hours then there was in an entire season, this is why I refer to it as a sappy soap opera. Lady Mary's husband is missing in this movie but of course a gentleman finds her attractive, something I agree with, and she fends him off rather nicely. There is of course the obligatory gay couple, or potential couple, but it is probably the best and nicest PC addition to a movie or series I have seen, so kudos to the writer for this one. The movie's ending leaves it open for the next Downton Abbey series. Perhaps they will develop The Children of Downton Abbey as they move into the Great Depression time period and WW2. Who knows. I only hope the writing is better than this one. Considering the garbage that has been on the various streaming channels, this is a story that you can watch.
Strikingly Superb from Beginning to End
bostonct20 May 2022
I've not seen but 2 TV episodes but the acting, screen writing/dialogue, and overall execution was just astounding. Maybe I'm biased about the foregone era of the empire so if that doesn't appeal to you, then it may be just an average movie. Regardless, I think this movie is best seen knowing nothing. If you're expecting special effects, shallow dialogue or attitude here any, don't see this movie. There's just so much substance with these actors.
Really! Enough is enough!
katcherj10 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the TV series very much, and had very few criticisms of the show (with the glaring exception that Mr. Bates apparently has the ability to wish people dead - he wished his estranged wife would die, and on the very day that he goes to have it out with her, she immediately takes rat poison to commit suicide; and then he wishes his new wife's rapist was dead, and on the very day that he plans to go and murder the man, the man is murdered by another heretofore unknown character - that was all a bit too much for me to suspend my disbelief). It was a rather simple show that telegraphed it's plot points, but then fulfilled the promise rather than pull a switch to be too clever. If a man and a woman had a conversation together, whether friendly or heated, you could expect that they would eventually be married to one another. If anyone got too happy, then some tragedy was sure to strike them low (poor Edith had a raincloud perpetually poised over her head). Yet in the end, just as Lord Grantham would predict, things would all work out. Happy endings all around for everyone. The TV series did a wonderful job of resolving everyone's issues and leaving everyone with a happy ending. One of the better television finales.
Therefore, the subsequent movies were superfluous. They were actually just lengthy episodes of the TV show. Neither was a stand-alone movie. If you were unfamiliar with the series, the movies would be incomprehensible, because so much is dependent on upon the character development that occurred prior to the movie during the television series. Since I had just recently watched the entire series, I was anxious to take a peek at what had become of these characters that I had spent so much time with. And I discovered: nothing had changed. There was absolutely nothing to catch up on. When you meet up with an old friend, you spend some time sharing with one another what has been going on during the interval. However, in the world of Downton Abbey, you just pick up as though no time has passed at all and carry on with a new adventure.
The new adventure for this episode (I mean, movie) is that Violet has "suddenly" (as in sixty years ago) come into possession of a grand villa in the French Riviera. She gives a vague explanation for how it came to her, but it only serves as the starting point for the intrigue that follows. This is the main plot point of the movie, and there are far fewer sub-plots in this movie than in the first one, which I applaud and was one of the reasons I gave this movie a rating of 7 and only gave the first movie a rating of 6.
Some of the family and staff go on this grand adventure to France. However, as to who goes and who stays behind is a mystery that not even the characters can solve. I loved Robert's line upon meeting his host and explaining that they have brought their own butler, "but for the life of me, I don't know why". Carson is not even their actual employee anymore, yet they can press him into service upon any whim. It wasn't even his beloved Mary that prompted his return to buttling, because Mary stayed behind (along with Carson's wife). Further, how many times during the TV show did the issue of traveling without a valet come up? Traveling without a valet seemed to be the mark of an aristocrat that was on hard times. However, does Mr. Bates travel with Lord Grantham? Nope, they bring their retired butler instead. Huh?!
Then there is the absence of Violet and Sibby from the entourage. Violet is the actual owner of the villa, but having been there once before (sixty years ago), she has seen it's beauty and has no need to re-visit. Her absence could certainly be excused due to her declining health (although there is little mention of that until the final act). Sibby, on the other hand, who is to inherit this grand estate to put her on equal footing with her cousins, is mentioned several times ("I wish Sibby could have been here."), but she was inexplicably left behind. Dad and step-mom (Tom and Lucy) get to have a lush vacation at Sibby's fabulous new villa, but Sibby herself must sit this one out. Humpf!
The major sub-plot is enduring a film crew that invades Downton Abbey so that the family can score some scratch to fix the leaky roof. That would be an okay plot line, except then they go and do a direct theft of the plot point from "Singin' In The Rain". There must have been some statute of limitations that ran out in 2022 that allowed movies to steal a significant plot point from such a great old film, because "Babylon" (also out in 2022) did the exact same thing: portraying a beautiful silent movie actress as having an irritating voice that must be dubbed for the newly-developed talkies. The blatant rip-off made me deduct points from my rating.
The very minor sub-plot of Cora's illness was not worth having at all. She is thought to be dying of cancer and then, nope, wrong diagnosis - happy ending. The only thing this sub-plot allowed was a tirade by Robert in which he, at first, appears to be angry with Cora for dying and then they profess their deep love for one another. Eh, could have skipped it.
The best part of the movie, unfortunately, was the death scene of the Dowager Countess. Played for both laughs and tears. Maggie Smith was excellent in every scene she was ever in during the entirety of the television series and the two subsequent movies. Hopefully, having laid the great lady to rest, they will let the entire cast rest in peace, as well.
Therefore, the subsequent movies were superfluous. They were actually just lengthy episodes of the TV show. Neither was a stand-alone movie. If you were unfamiliar with the series, the movies would be incomprehensible, because so much is dependent on upon the character development that occurred prior to the movie during the television series. Since I had just recently watched the entire series, I was anxious to take a peek at what had become of these characters that I had spent so much time with. And I discovered: nothing had changed. There was absolutely nothing to catch up on. When you meet up with an old friend, you spend some time sharing with one another what has been going on during the interval. However, in the world of Downton Abbey, you just pick up as though no time has passed at all and carry on with a new adventure.
The new adventure for this episode (I mean, movie) is that Violet has "suddenly" (as in sixty years ago) come into possession of a grand villa in the French Riviera. She gives a vague explanation for how it came to her, but it only serves as the starting point for the intrigue that follows. This is the main plot point of the movie, and there are far fewer sub-plots in this movie than in the first one, which I applaud and was one of the reasons I gave this movie a rating of 7 and only gave the first movie a rating of 6.
Some of the family and staff go on this grand adventure to France. However, as to who goes and who stays behind is a mystery that not even the characters can solve. I loved Robert's line upon meeting his host and explaining that they have brought their own butler, "but for the life of me, I don't know why". Carson is not even their actual employee anymore, yet they can press him into service upon any whim. It wasn't even his beloved Mary that prompted his return to buttling, because Mary stayed behind (along with Carson's wife). Further, how many times during the TV show did the issue of traveling without a valet come up? Traveling without a valet seemed to be the mark of an aristocrat that was on hard times. However, does Mr. Bates travel with Lord Grantham? Nope, they bring their retired butler instead. Huh?!
Then there is the absence of Violet and Sibby from the entourage. Violet is the actual owner of the villa, but having been there once before (sixty years ago), she has seen it's beauty and has no need to re-visit. Her absence could certainly be excused due to her declining health (although there is little mention of that until the final act). Sibby, on the other hand, who is to inherit this grand estate to put her on equal footing with her cousins, is mentioned several times ("I wish Sibby could have been here."), but she was inexplicably left behind. Dad and step-mom (Tom and Lucy) get to have a lush vacation at Sibby's fabulous new villa, but Sibby herself must sit this one out. Humpf!
The major sub-plot is enduring a film crew that invades Downton Abbey so that the family can score some scratch to fix the leaky roof. That would be an okay plot line, except then they go and do a direct theft of the plot point from "Singin' In The Rain". There must have been some statute of limitations that ran out in 2022 that allowed movies to steal a significant plot point from such a great old film, because "Babylon" (also out in 2022) did the exact same thing: portraying a beautiful silent movie actress as having an irritating voice that must be dubbed for the newly-developed talkies. The blatant rip-off made me deduct points from my rating.
The very minor sub-plot of Cora's illness was not worth having at all. She is thought to be dying of cancer and then, nope, wrong diagnosis - happy ending. The only thing this sub-plot allowed was a tirade by Robert in which he, at first, appears to be angry with Cora for dying and then they profess their deep love for one another. Eh, could have skipped it.
The best part of the movie, unfortunately, was the death scene of the Dowager Countess. Played for both laughs and tears. Maggie Smith was excellent in every scene she was ever in during the entirety of the television series and the two subsequent movies. Hopefully, having laid the great lady to rest, they will let the entire cast rest in peace, as well.
Very disappointing.
krzysiektom16 June 2022
After reading many glowing reviews of this one I've decided to give it a chance. I left the cinema very disappointed. For me, everything about the film is very mediocre at best. The script is full of wooden dialogue, with silly and simplistic love stories, the idiotic plot about inheriting a lush villa in France only to show it for about 30 seconds... The acting is mediocre or even bad. The only good thing about this film are the costumes and the authentic, beautiful mansion where it takes place.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
