16
votes
'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' review: Change is afoot (again)
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- Title
- After 6 seasons and 3 movies, 'Downton Abbey' bids farewell (or does it?)
- Authors
- Justin Chang
- Published
- Sep 12 2025
- Word count
- 755 words
We loved the series, and I don't remember much about the movie before this, but it's great to hear they made another one!
I'll be honest, I haven't read too far in this review, it looks like it has potential spoilers in it, and I'm thinking I'll go ahead and hit ignore on my own post, because I haven't seen the new movie yet, so yeah... I posted this because I didn't know they were making a new Downton movie, and just wanted to let anyone else know if they didn't know
Would anyone here recommend this to someone who is intrigued by the concept, but hasn't watched anything from Downtown Abbey before? I'm just concerned about completely losing the plot after 15 minutes because I won't recognize any of the characters or references.
I’m afraid the movie is probably not a good entry point into the series. It’s an ensemble show with a large number of characters, and the movie is mostly about them showing appreciation for each other as a number of characters retire. There is some conflict to the plot, but it’s mostly resolved without too much fuss.
That said, you wouldn’t have any trouble following what was going on. You might understand the nuances of the characters interactions, but the big picture of who they are and what they are doing should be clear enough.
As my one line review, I quite enjoyed the film but I also watched the series and the other two films. Downton Abbey is fun. It’s ahistorical in that our aristocratic heroes show contemporary values throughout, by and large it’s a fun show to inhabit.
Alternatively, what is a good starting point for someone who's intrigued but never watched any Downton Abbey?
I don't know if there's a "top plot episodes" list or something but the beginning is quite good. I haven't watched past season 1 myself but I think it's the best intro to the characters. Season 1 plus Dame Maggie Smith supercuts probably didn't prepare me for the movie but is enjoyable nonetheless
Season 1 is the best in my opinion. There are going to be obvious spoilers for the most impactful moments of season 1 in anything after that. There's a lot of character development and growth that takes place there, and it makes you care about these characters in a way that makes the later events emotionally significant to the viewer.
Did anyone see this movie?
My wife wants to see it, and am wondering if we should go to the theatre or just wait for the digital release. My wife won’t want to waste time at the theatre if it is not good or up to the standards of the show.
My wife saw it. Said it was good! Much better than the second, nice send-off.
So what's next? Uptown Abby, a show about a young woman finding her way in the big city?