‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ movie review: A loving farewell to the Crawleys 

There is Ascot, a Noël Coward musical, a divorce, a confidence trickster, a country fair, and a passing mention of the Depression. Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes’ historical drama series following the fortunes of the upstairs and downstairs folks of the eponymous Yorkshire country estate, aired from 2010 to 2015 over six seasons and 52 episodes, covering the time period between 1912 and 1926.

Then came the movies— Downton Abbey (2019), set in 1927 and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022), set in 1928. And now we have the possible final chapter in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It is 1930, and there is shame and scandal for the Crawleys as Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is getting divorced from her racing car enthusiast husband.   

The Crawleys, including Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) and their daughters, Mary and Edith (Laura Carmichael), are in London for the season. With the deaths of both the grandmothers, the formidable Dowager Countess Violet (Maggie Smith) and Lady Grantham’s mother, there is much settling of estates in the offing.

The Depression has caused some money troubles, and Lady Grantham’s brother, Harold (Paul Giamatti), who was handling the estate, has come to England with a progress report. He brings along Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), a financial manager who seems to have saved a large portion of the money from the crash.

Many of the cast from the show and the previous films make their appearance and it is nice to see the characters walk off into their beautiful, collective sunsets. Daisy (Sophie McShera), who started off as an assistant to the cook Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol), grows in confidence and takes over the kitchen when Mrs Patmore retires. Her husband, Andy (Michael Fox), is promoted to butler, as Mr Carson (Jim Carter) reluctantly hands over the reins.

The Bateses, John (Brendan Coyle), valet to Lord Grantham, and Anna (Joanne Froggatt), lady’s maid to Mary, have another baby. Barrow (Robert James-Collier) has finally found happiness in service with the actor Guy (Dominic West), while Molesley (Kevin Doyle) is pursuing his screenwriter dreams.

The troubles are little ones and are graciously overcome with a stern talking-to, causing the evildoer, be they confidence tricksters or snobs, to skulk away with their tails between their legs. Just like last week’s The Conjuring: Last Rites, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is a different kind of impeccably dressed comfort food —the gowns and jewellery are truly marvellous.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is currently running in theatres