I liked the first two Downton Abbey films, but I did not love them. The series owns a lot of real estate in my heart for its great character work, setting, and for taking its time even when some of the storylines were dragged out a bit too long. Perhaps that is the draw of the series – to be given all the feels constantly and have a nice payoff at the end for all the time you put in watching. The first two films had the tendency to cram an entire season into two hours and they often feel rushed.
This third film finds Mary newly divorced, something that happened between movies and we didn’t get to witness. Its not a surprise given that the husband in question did not partake in the second film. Now ostracized from society, Mary must find a way to take the reins at Downton and earn back the respect of high society. Edith becomes her ally when she finds out that their famous filmmaking friends from the second film are returning to Downton and lets it slip to Anna who agrees to spread the word to other staff of other homes. Now that everyone knows, they all agree to attend a dinner at Downton.
In the midst of all of this, Cora’s brother returns in dire need of money. He has a friend in tow who is supposedly helping with the situation but there always needs to be a villain doesn’t there? Lord Grantham is having a hard time letting go, because of course he does. Carson also has a hard time letting go of his role as head of the house. Barrow has found happiness with the famous director who visited Downton in the second film.
In the end, everyone finds their place. Loose ends are tied up in a lacy bow. And the script finds a way to have everyone from Branson to Lady Manville on hand so that all your favorites are in attendance. The film also pays tribute Maggie Smith who’s death last year meant her character needed to pass away too.
What I enjoyed the most about the film is that Edith and Mary have grown so much as human beings that both woman are actually likable now. Women I would love to be friends with. Instead of being enemies, now they support each other. I also like that the film tries to give Mary a love interest that she has no interest for and in the end, she is just fine with being alone. After everything she has been through, knowing herself well enough to know that its okay to move forward on your own is a life lesson that I love she has learned.
And, really, she isn’t alone. Downton holds all the memories of the people who came before her. Grannie. Sybil. Matthew. Her parents are living nearby. Edith and Branson will always be there for her. She looks back on them with love as she moves forward. The best parts of her life going with her to the future.
4 out of 5 stars. By far the best of the three movies.
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Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
I liked the first two Downton Abbey films, but I did not love them. The series owns a lot of real estate in my heart for its great character work, setting, and for taking its time even when some of the storylines were dragged out a bit too long. Perhaps that is the draw of the series – to be given all the feels constantly and have a nice payoff at the end for all the time you put in watching. The first two films had the tendency to cram an entire season into two hours and they often feel rushed.
This third film finds Mary newly divorced, something that happened between movies and we didn’t get to witness. Its not a surprise given that the husband in question did not partake in the second film. Now ostracized from society, Mary must find a way to take the reins at Downton and earn back the respect of high society. Edith becomes her ally when she finds out that their famous filmmaking friends from the second film are returning to Downton and lets it slip to Anna who agrees to spread the word to other staff of other homes. Now that everyone knows, they all agree to attend a dinner at Downton.
In the midst of all of this, Cora’s brother returns in dire need of money. He has a friend in tow who is supposedly helping with the situation but there always needs to be a villain doesn’t there? Lord Grantham is having a hard time letting go, because of course he does. Carson also has a hard time letting go of his role as head of the house. Barrow has found happiness with the famous director who visited Downton in the second film.
In the end, everyone finds their place. Loose ends are tied up in a lacy bow. And the script finds a way to have everyone from Branson to Lady Manville on hand so that all your favorites are in attendance. The film also pays tribute Maggie Smith who’s death last year meant her character needed to pass away too.
What I enjoyed the most about the film is that Edith and Mary have grown so much as human beings that both woman are actually likable now. Women I would love to be friends with. Instead of being enemies, now they support each other. I also like that the film tries to give Mary a love interest that she has no interest for and in the end, she is just fine with being alone. After everything she has been through, knowing herself well enough to know that its okay to move forward on your own is a life lesson that I love she has learned.
And, really, she isn’t alone. Downton holds all the memories of the people who came before her. Grannie. Sybil. Matthew. Her parents are living nearby. Edith and Branson will always be there for her. She looks back on them with love as she moves forward. The best parts of her life going with her to the future.
4 out of 5 stars. By far the best of the three movies.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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