Sitting back with my overpriced popcorn and a small fountain drink, I was ready to experience Downton Abbey with the respect and dignity Carson would demand. By being completely immersed in the class and elegance that is everything Downton, I was about to travel back in time to 1927. So collegiettes, sit back, relax, and time travel with me to Downton Abbey. Time traveling does include spoilers so prepare yourself!
*Warning: Spoilers Ahead*
First of all, just hearing the all too familiar music of John Lunn immediately gave me goosebumps. The ambience of each scene and the music throughout the film was everything I expected and more, overwhelming all of my senses and I was frankly giddy for the entire two hours and three minutes. The emotional connection I had formed between each character throughout the series’s six seasons was something special and personal; and thankfully, this connection was continued and cultivated throughout the entirety of the film.
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With the announcement that King George V and Queen Mary would be spending the night at Downton, the estate was thrown upside down as preparations grander than Mary and Edith’s wedding took place, with almost as much hustle and bustle Downton experienced during World War l. Fearful that Thomas would not be able to handle the pressures of the royal visit, Mary calls on Carson to temporarily resume his former position as butler at the Downton estate. This choice was one of my favorite moments of the entire movie as Carson has always been the embodiment of a traditionalist. In a way, I saw this as Carson being able to live out his dream and achieving the highest honor through his eyes: upholding the honor and respectability of Downton Abbey.
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Although I struggled with the idea that Thomas had been slighted of his position (especially with the complicated emotional relationship his character has had with the audience since season one) I was excited to see that the film explored his personal life and sexuality more.
Throughout the television series, Julian Fellowes, the creator and co-writer of the television series as well as the movie, depicted the internal and external obstacles Thomas experienced by being a gay man in England during the early 20th century. Seeing Thomas face the struggles in the movie as well, such as when the police raid an underground jazz club for gay men, was hearbreaking. Thomas was subsequently arrested and I immediately began begging for a happy ending, which, hallelujah, happened. After being bailed out of jail by the King’s valet Richard, they shared a brief kiss that made me tear up a little. I was so happy that Thomas finally had a moment of happiness and joy that was often lost throughout the show.
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Exploring one of the more climatic moments of the film was the assassination attempt on the King. Branson’s fiery political views as a socialist who opposed British rule in Ireland made him a beloved character since his first episode as the chauffeur and Sybil’s love interest (a death I am STILL not over and probably never will be).
His possible participation in this attempt kept me on the edge of my seat. Although I knew his loyalties lie with Downton and the Crawley family, his history as a staunch opponent of the monarchy made me wonder if he was capable of a protest of any kind. Him being the hero and stopping the attempt was a true testament on how the Crawley family and Branson have come a long way in seeing each other as family.
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What was also not lost throughout the film was also the insight to life “downstairs.” Seeing how favorites like Mrs. Hughs, Mrs. Patmore, Daisy, Anna and Mr. Bates, as well as all the rest of the staff dealt with the condescending attitudes of the royal staff provided a witty and humorous battle. Seeing their success as Mrs. Patmore was able to cook for the King and Queen and how Mr. Mosley was able to serve as footman was a great reminder as to what the spirit of Downton truly embodies.
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However, the ending was a true roller coaster. The final ball with the orchestra cutting in and out of scenes was a beautifully edited scene. Jumping from multiple conversations back to the orchestra allowed me to immerse myself within the ball and truly experience the atmosphere. I had reached peak happiness at this point, seeing everything going according to plan.
While at the ball however, the usual witty and blunt Violet shares with Mary that she is ill and will probably not live for much longer. This was so hard to see as Violet has been the rock of the Crawley family for so long. The possibility that she would not be a part of Downton actually made me cry. Seeing how she has run and influenced the community and the family for so long shows how much of an integral role she plays in running Downton.
I would definitely recommend seeing this movie if you loved the series. It evokes the same emotions and sophistication the series produced and I found no aspect a dissapointment. In fact, I am itching to go see it again!
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