Downton Abbey: A New Era
In 2019 , Focus Features and creator Julian Fellowes brought the beloved British telecasting seriesDownton Abbeyto the big screen in a cinema that feel like a fitting bookend to the saga . However , it also proved to be such a success that a sequel seemed inevitable , and now , after a smattering of delays , Downton Abbey : A New Eraarrives to bring hearing back to the titular landed estate they know and love . In some way , the simple presence of another motion-picture show threatens to undo some of the unfermented moment established in the first , but Fellowes - along with director Simon Curtis - supervise to build up upon what came before in a hearty way . Downton Abbey : A New Erawill fulfill lover of the original serial , attend to up a distich of plot line that have playfulness and heart in adequate measure .
Picking up sometime after the first film , the residents of Downtonare throw off for a loop when the Dowager Countess ( Maggie Smith ) inherit a French villa from a man she knew back in her young . Her family , peculiarly her son Robert ( Hugh Bonneville ) , are baffled by this sudden whodunit and resolution to learn more by traveling to France to meet with the man ’s son ( Jonathan Zaccaï ) . Meanwhile , Mary ( Michelle Dockery ) appease behind to manage a film production that has decided to make Downton its solidifying , an exciting event that sends the downstairs staff into a fuss as the forward-looking man once again collide with the former - fashioned house .
relate : Downton Abbey Timeline Explained : Every Season & Movie
The firstDownton Abbeymovie , even with a plot involving an illegitimate nipper and an blackwash try against the King of England , felt unmistakably low stakes ; it was more of an chance to reunite with the television show ’s beloved characters than anything else . WithDownton Abbey : A New Era , Fellowes and Curtis have stepped thing up a second . There are more shades of the show ’s oleaginous drama and Fellowes has think of some truly fun situation for the characters to experience . In the cases of those like Mary , Mr. Carson ( Jim Carter ) , and Daisy ( Sophie McShera),Downton Abbey : A New Erapushes them into unique positions , thus allow both the actor and Fellowes to evidence just how far they ’ve come . Longtime rooter of the series will no doubt be amused by some of the scenarios that rise ; for example , there ’s a view with the downstairs staff lately in the secret plan that will likely take to smile and laughter .
In that signified , Downton Abbey : A New Eramore than warrant its existence as a surprise sequel to a movie free-base on a television show that ended conclusively . It makes for an entertaining wake experience , though there is still an impression that this is a TV installment made long . Curtis tries to bring some cinematic flair with the help of editor Adam Recht and cinematographer Andrew Dunn , but the legal action still comes across as episodic . Luckily , though , Downton Abbey : A New Eramakes up for it with the overall beauty of Dunn ’s visuals and the wholesale scotch from John Lunn . This world may have begun on television , but it is rather suitable for the large screen . It aid thatDownton Abbey : A New Erabroadens its scope to visit the south of France for the game involve the Dowager ’s surprise Pancho Villa .
With a stamp as large asDownton Abbey ’s , it is inevitable that some stars might get the forgetful remainder of the stick . This was reliable in the first picture , and it ’s still true here . However , there are plenty who get sweet-smelling bit to shine . Of the return gist cast , Smith stay a standout . Though the first filmappeared to give her Violet a meet send - off , she revert here with several novel witty barbs and poignant minute with characters like Mary and Isobel ( Penelope Wilton ) . Smith is a delectation , whether she is carry advice to her granddaughter or reacting with disheartenment to the movie star interlopers . Elizabeth McGovern as Cora beget a surprising plot line that allows both her and Bonneville some great moments , and of the downstairs staff , McShera perhaps make to have the most play . Overall , the cast is first-class , and newcomers like Dominic West , Laura Haddock , and Hugh Dancy weave their direction into the constituted chemical group of characters with ease .
Does the public really take anotherDownton Abbeymovie ? Some might debate it does not , but first and foremost , this remains a film for the devotee . As such , Downton Abbey : A NewErais a triumph . After several tumultuous year , returning to a well - lie with universe with darling characters is a ointment and anyone who has followed along with the Crawleys will find plentifulness of enjoyment within the film . Between the amusing storylines and gorgeous stroke of the eponymous estate , there is real eye within this film . Audiences will find themselves laughing and crying by the time the credits roll . And while it seems likeA NewErareally does bring everything to a close , there could decidedly be room for moreDownton Abbeyin the future .
More : Watch The Downton Abbey : A New Era Trailer
Downton Abbey : A New Erareleases in theater of operations on Friday , May 20 . It is 124 minutes farsighted and shop PG for some revelatory references , terminology and thematic elements .
Sophie McShera and Lesley Nicol in Downton Abbey: A New Era