Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Hailed as the last ever feature in the historical drama phenomenon from writer Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale brings viewers back into the 1930s as the story continues to revolve around the Crawley family, their staff and the intricacies that have made their lives so watchable over the years.
With Lady Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) impending divorce from her husband Henry (Matthew Goode) casting a shadow over the show, her parents not only have to come to terms with the recent passing of Cora’s (Elizabeth Mcgovern) mother, Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (Dame Maggie Smith), but also the possibility of being cast out of high society when they are asked to leave a party held by Lady Peterfield (Joely Richardson) when the royal family arrive – because sharing the same oxygen with a divorcee is considered dreadfully impermissible.
It is from these internal family crises that the storytelling evolves, and a spate of fun new characters enter the fray. Cora’s brother Henry (Paul Giamatti) arrives over from America with his slippery financial adviser Gus (Alessandro Nivola) to tie up their mother’s estate, and the playwright Noël Coward (Arty Froushan) revels in adding flamboyant charm to a Downton soiree.
Director Simon Curtis packs in the glamour with sweeping shots of the Downton estate, an elegant day out for the Crawley sisters to Fortnum and Mason and crowd-filled scenes at Royal Ascot for the Gold Cup, whilst costume designer Anna Robbins masterfully creates figure-hugging silhouettes, a rich palette of colour and tasteful tuxes that help recreate the era.
It’s a nostalgic ride for fans as an ever-present painting of the elegant Dowager hangs in Downton’s grand hall, and glimmers of past well-loved characters that swoop in hauntingly through the new chapters pull on heartstrings. But, as staff like the beloved Butler Mr Carson (Jim Carter) retire, maybe Fellows feels he’s done his due too, leaving fans with one last hoorah.
Ezelle Alblas
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is released nationwide on 12th September 2025.
Watch the trailer for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale here:
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