A Critical Review of the New Downton Abbey Movie: Assessing the Plot and Performance

I recently had the pleasure of watching the new Downton Abbey movie. Although I have been a devoted fan of the show, watching the film was a different experience. In this article, I will rate the movie on a scale of 1 to 10 and provide my reasons for that rating.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Given the option, I would likely give this movie a 6.5 out of 10, but I decided to round up to 7. My rating is based on several factors, including the overall quality of the film, the acting, and my personal favorite characters.

The Good

Well-made and Engaging Characters

The film is well-made, with a stellar cast providing good performances. One of the highlights is Tom Branson, who has clearly grown into a beloved character. His journey from the former Downton chauffeur to a hero who falls in love and serves as a counselor to royalty is compelling. Other standout performances include the Dowager Countess, who, as expected, delivers fantastic moments. Her interaction with Mrs. Isobel Crawley is particularly enjoyable.

Visually Pleasing and Familiar Characters

The film offers a bigger budget version of the yearly Christmas episodes, which is a plus. It's nice to see the characters from the show again. Mary, Edith, Carson, Anna, and the Crawleys, among others, are all recognizable and well-developed. Their familiar dynamics make the movie feel comfortable and fun to watch.

The Not-So-Good

Lack of an Overarching Plot

The most significant criticism is the seeming lack of an overarching and important plot. The main storyline involves the royal visit and a supposed assassination attempt on the king. However, the execution felt underdeveloped, and the conflict was not as significant as it could have been. The assassination plot, though intriguing initially, was predictable and didn't add much depth to the film.

Rushed and Overwhelming Subplots

One subplot involving Anna felt somewhat different from what I remember on the show. Her character became more assertive and took control of the conflict in a way that didn't quite fit her previous personality. Additionally, the "Thomas" subplot, which involved the gay butler, felt unnecessary and preachy, adding no substantial value to the story. It was only included to seem “edgy,” but ultimately it was forgettable.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. It has a satisfying cast and some great moments, especially for die-hard fans of the show. However, it falls a bit short in terms of plot development and depth. I am open to watching it again, and I certainly hope that Lord Julian Fellowes considers making a sequel with a stronger narrative and more engaging subplots.