Downton Abbey (2019)

Directed by: Michael Engler | 122 minutes | drama | Actors: Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode, Tuppence Middleton, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, Allen Leech, Joanne Froggatt, Imelda Staunton, Raquel Cassidy, Robert James-Collier, Kate Phillips, Phyllis Logan, Sophie McShera, Brendan Coyle, Hugh Bonneville, Geraldine James, Jim Carter, Max Brown, Simon Jones, Penelope Wilton, Stephen Campbell Moore, Lesley Nicol, Mark Addy, David Haig

What could be more wonderful than immersing yourself in the splendor of the stylish British nobility? During the years 2010 to 2015, many Dutch people were glued to the TV to follow the ups and downs of the aristocratic Crawley family in the wildly popular and much-loved British series ‘Downton Abbey’. There is of course something idyllic and romantic about it, that traditional British upper class that clings to age-old traditions, customs and customs. But the strength of ‘Downton Abbey’ certainly lies in the staff who roam the rooms of the lavish Crawleys mansion; the butlers, chambermaids, cooks and footmen who faithfully fulfill their duty while facing their own challenges. As the world changes around them, from the sinking Titanic through World War I to the Roaring Twenties, life in the impressive Downton Abbey continues to revolve around passion and romance, ambitions and tragedies. Although it’s been about four years since the series’ last episode aired, the loyal ‘Downton Abbey’ fan base kept hoping for a sequel. To accommodate them, a feature film of the popular series has now been made, which has simply been christened ‘Downton Abbey’ (2019) and which gives almost the entire cast the opportunity to show themselves to the public one more time.

The film, directed by Michael Engler, who also directed a number of (later) episodes of the series, is set in 1927. In the dynamic opening scene we see how an important telegram became the imposing mansion of the Crawleys (also now shot at Highclere Castle in Hampshire): King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James) have planned a visit to Downton Abbey. The news spreads like wildfire among residents, servants and villagers. Quite a few preparations have to be made for the high visit. Everyone has great expectations, but the staff is disappointed when it turns out that the royal party is bringing its own butlers, footmen and chambermaids. If, with some exceptions, they turn out to be intolerable types, butler Mr. Carson (Jim Carter, back in town), Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle), Daisy (Sophie McShera) and the others have a ruse. ‘Upstairs’ meanwhile have to deal with their own problems. Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith) is upset because her cousin Maud Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton), who travels with the royal party, leaves her inheritance not to the family but to her personal servant Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton). Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) does not want her husband Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton) to travel with the prince now that they are expecting a baby. Tom Branson (Allen Leech) is approached by a mysterious man who plans to attack the king and Princess Mary (Kate Phillips) doubts her love for the much older and rather cold-hearted Henry Lascelles (Andrew Havill) is strong enough. is.

Enough drama to span a two-hour film. Certainly for the loyal fans of the TV series created by Julian Fellowes (he also wrote the screenplay for the film version) it is an old-fashioned feast. All known cast members return once; albeit some, like Matthew Goode, for a marginal contribution. Also Lord Grantham himself, Hugh Bonneville, hardly gets anything to do. But the fact that they all pass by for a moment is probably enough for the diehard enthusiast. Because all those characters have to show up, the film takes on an episodic character; like we’re watching an extra-long episode of the series. There is actually no depth, nor is there any tension (the scenes intended to be exciting are too fleeting to really oppress and stick). Fortunately, there is humor. Of course, Dame Maggie Smith is allowed to throw her delightfully sharp one-liners into the air and the comedy capers between the staff of Downton Abbey and the outsiders who come to interfere in the ups and downs of the mansion on behalf of the royal family are also very enjoyable. And then of course there’s that fantastic cast; despite the fact that many characters are only called in for minor contributions, it is still a pleasure to see the likes of Smith, Bonneville, Staunton, James, Carson, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan and Michelle Dockery in action. The care with which the upper class lived in the 1920s is imitated is impressive and contributes to an important part to the viewing pleasure.

‘Downton Abbey’ the film was mainly made to satisfy the countless fans of the series, to reward them for all the years of watching faithfully and taking the characters to their hearts. Not much really happens, but despite the few uplifting events, there is an undeniable charm of the quintessential British manor and its inhabitants/staff. ‘Downton Abbey’ has little to say about the story; from a nostalgic point of view, however, it is good old-fashioned enjoyment.