'Downton Abbey: Grand Finale' Movie Review: Story Loses Steam

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale earns 3 stars (out of 4) from Us Weekly’s Erin Strecker.

After six seasons and two films, this period gem has reached the 1930s — but not much else has changed at Downton since the show began: There is still the upstairs/downstairs divide; Robert (Hugh Bonneville) longs for the good ol’ days; and Mary (Michelle Dockery, still able to convey a ton with just one perfectly-arched eyebrow) has found herself at the center of a society scandal. Again.

Cast out of the parties and events that make up her social schedule, Mary must find a new way forward — or, at least, some Americans who care a lot less about those silly aristocratic ways. Enter a carefree movie star pal (Dominic West) as well as an American uncle (Paul Giamatti) who brings his own news of doom for the family.

The wheel of time and the inevitability of generational change is a theme writer Julian Fellowes hits again and again throughout the 123-minute runtime of what will allegedly be the absolute final outing for the Crawleys. Of course, clinging to the past is well-trodded territory even during the original run of the ITV/PBS show (2010-2015).

Love it or loathe it, no one would argue Downton Abbey has ever been particularly plot heavy: Fans are here for the romance, the sumptuous sets and costumes, and a love of being transported to another era. But in Grand Finale, the lack of any strong narrative is more noticeable than ever. Perhaps because they’ve already “settled” the characters twice before in previous films, there just isn’t a ton for anyone to do without disrupting the various happy endings viewers still desire. Mary’s gowns still inspire awe, just don’t expect much introspection to go along with it.

But the heavenly estate still has some life left. Fellowes does an admirable job giving each character their final turn in the spotlight, from Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) now on an upswing after finding acceptance in a different kind of life, to a particularly charming storyline about Daisy (Sophie McShera), the once-mousy maid whose rise in the kitchen — and the community — continues. Carson (Jim Carter) is reliably great as the beloved butler ponders retirement, and Isabel (Penelope Wilton) remains a fighter for anyone who can use a steely advocate (and a quick quip).

A true delight for longtime viewers will be watching sisters Mary and Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) explore new facets of their always-charged dynamic — and discover in one another an unlikely ally. One may fairly note this all sounds mighty familiar, but there is still something pleasurable about watching these two go toe-to-toe, or witnessing a charged family dinner, or taking in the zany bustle of the servants.

Best of all, Fellowes and director Simon Curtis save a nostalgic beat or two for faces fans haven’t seen in a while, especially those dearly departed along the way. No spoilers here, but it’s a credit to the relationships the show has built that even a quick glance or reference to a beloved person can still thrill and remind why this thing became such a period piece juggernaut in the first place. The Grand Finale is a long but ultimately worthy goodbye for 15-years-in-the-making comfort characters whose long story — featuring war, death and the concept of week-ends — has now finally concluded.

At least until the inevitable spinoff.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale opens in theaters on Friday, September 12.