“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” Delivers Nostalgic Return, Hints at Future Storylines
Los Angeles – The Crawley family faces financial challenges and romantic entanglements in “Downton abbey: The Grand Finale,” released in wide release Friday, September 12. The film,rated PG for suggestive material,smoking,and some thematic elements,runs 2 hours and 3 minutes.
the storyline revisits characters from “A New Era,” including film actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and former Downton footman Barrow (Robert James-Collier), now in a relationship, alongside playwright Noel Coward (Arty Froushan). Froushan’s performance is highlighted for its “mischievous double entendres,” as Coward seeks inspiration for new plays within the walls of Downton.
the film also introduces new characters, such as Sir Hector (Simon Russell Beale), who embodies traditionalist viewpoints following the passing of Dame Maggie Smith’s character, and scam artist Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), who attempts to defraud Harold and Lady Mary with an Argentine currency scheme. Lady Edith ultimately thwarts Sambrook’s plans.
Behind the scenes, the film acknowledges the progression of Kevin Doyle’s character from footman to screenwriter, with Molesley humorously asserting the importance of screenwriters, a sentiment echoed by Oscar-winning writer Lord Fellowes, creator of “Gosford Park.”
The narrative explores both large-scale events, like the American stock market crash, and smaller, personal dramas, while Fellowes examines the enduring nature of social change. The film concludes with a suggestion of future storylines,specifically hinting at the impact of the approaching World War II on the Crawley family.