Downton Abbey: A New Era

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Downton Abbey: A New Era
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Downton Abbey: A New Era is the sequel to 2019's Downton Abbey, itself a spin-off of the popular English TV series. Set in 1928 at the end of the Roaring Twenties, it follows both Lady Mary's (Michelle Dockery) decision to allow a silent film to be shot at Downton and the family's expedition to the French Riviera to visit a villa that Dowager Countess Violet (Maggie Smith) unexpectedly inherits. This film is slightly milder and less violent than the series and the previous movie, but it still deals with mature themes, including the challenges of being gay in the early 20th century, wondering about legitimacy, contemplating cheating on a partner, and dealing with sickness and aging. Language is limited to "bloody," "hell," and "bastard," and the romance is mostly discreet flirting and married couples kissing passionately. Adults drink nightly at meals and parties (wine, champagne, cocktails). Positive messages include the value of compassion and teamwork, evident in the fact that the family and staff are closer than ever, without jealousy or strife. This is a fitting, heart-warming finale to the upstairs/downstairs Downton saga.
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What's the Story?
DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA begins with the wedding of Tom Branson (Allen Leech) to Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middletown), whom he first met during the events of the previous film. Afterward, two unexpected events stir up the family: Filmmaker Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy) asks permission to use the estate to shoot a silent film, and the Dowager Countess Violet (Maggie Smith) hears that she's inherited a villa in the South of France from a former suitor, a French marquis. Violet decides to leave the villa to little Sybil (Tom's daughter with the late Sybil Crawley), since all of her other great-grandchildren are titled and will inherit elsewhere. The deceased French aristocrat's heir invites Tom and Lucy and Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) to visit the villa. Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), her husband, Bertie (Harry Haddon-Paton), and Lucy's mother, the Dowager Baroness Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton), tag along for the trip -- presumably to see whether their host will contest his father's will (and possibly to dig up more details on the marquis' and countess' relationship). Meanwhile, back at Downton, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), head butler Barrow (Rob James-Collier), and the rest of staff host the glamorous stars and intrusive crew of the movie-within-the-movie, including charming leading man Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and gorgeous but uncouth star Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock).
Is It Any Good?
This is a bittersweet finale fitting of the aristocratic and ever-evolving Downton clan, thanks to the always-charming cast, who've now played these roles for more than a decade. After so much past drama and scandal, the family and staff enjoy a mostly low-stakes story in A New Era as Lady Mary seeks to ease the financial burdens of the Abbey's upkeep and the rest of the family tries to figure out whether Violet had an affair with the French marquis. The Hollywood movie crew is fun to watch, particularly as Jack grows fond of and dependent on Mary, who's thriving in her role as Downton's ultimate decision maker. Age has thawed Lady Mary's frostiness; she's more accessible now that she gets along with Edith and misses her adventure-seeking husband, Henry (Matthew Goode), who doesn't appear in this film. Mary's banter with Jack and willingness to learn about the film business is refreshing, even if a tad forward. The downstairs staff all get mini subplots, with the exception of Anna and Bates, who've already been through so much trauma that it's actually a blessing. Even Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) gets to grow professionally (he becomes an impromptu script doctor) and personally (he and Miss Baxter continue to have feelings for each other).
But this isn't a movie you watch for the plot developments or for the new characters, no matter how entertaining it is to watch West act like a swashbuckling silent film heartthrob. This installment, like the one before, is best suited for existing Downton fans who don't need a refresher on who's who. Anna Robbins' period costume work once again impresses (even the swimsuits look spectacular), as does the production design by Donal Woods. The cinematography captures the two elegantly appointed aristocratic estates, lush landscapes, and the expressive close-up shots of characters in private conversation. As for the movie's grand dame -- Smith is nearing 90, so it's quite lovely for this seemingly final Downton movie to shine a special light on the opinionated, self-assured dowager countess. Smith has elevated her character far beyond being an uncompromising snob; she became Isobel's dear friend and Tom's champion, proving that even the most unlikely candidates can sometimes change with the times. With everyone upstairs and down settled, all the stories feel told. And considering that the real world gets pretty grim starting in 1929 (Black Monday, the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, World War II), 1928 feels like perfect year to end this beloved series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how closely Downton Abbey: A New Era follows the characterization and plot developments of the previous film and the TV series. Do you think the characters stayed true to the show canon? What changes did you notice?
Do you think the movie accurately depicts how talking films changed popular culture and made it more difficult for silent film stars to adapt? Check out Singin' in the Rain for another example of transitioning from silent to talking movies.
The movie offers socioeconomic diversity, but not racial or ethnic diversity. Do you think representation is important in historical movies?
Do you think the Downton Abbey story is over? Would you be interested in another special or film? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 20, 2022
- Cast: Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern
- Director: Simon Curtis
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, History
- Character Strengths: Curiosity, Gratitude, Teamwork
- Run time: 125 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some suggestive references, language and thematic elements
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: May 19, 2022
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