The title says it all.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is the end of the beloved tale of the Crawley family over several years, first as a limited and then regular TV drama series, and then as major motion pictures, with this the third and apparently last of them. Writer-producer Julian Fellowes has created such a memorable group of characters it is hard to finally say goodbye to them, but in this witty and wise finale it is nice to report it is a goodbye worth saying, with somehow each of the members of this massive ensemble cast getting their moment in the sunset. Even though the absence of the great late Maggie Smith as the inimitable Violet is felt, it really isn’t because she is often mentioned and there is a wonderful and touching dedication to her at the end. This is all about a changing of the guard at Downton Abbey, a new era beginning as they all celebrate summer of 1930 with the annual Peterfield’s Ball.
Things open, however, with a scandal. Lady Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) divorce is almost final, and as she arrives back at Downton there is a feeling she is going to be shunned — divorce is something forbidden in this British class, and it could well derail plans for her future elevation. On another front it is the final summer for Mr. Carson (Jim Carter), who is retiring as head butler, to be replaced by the younger Andy (Michael Fox). Adding to the shakeup is the impending retirement as well of the lovable Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) in a few weeks. Times are bittersweet for Lord Grantham aka Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) as he mulls, regrettably, turning over the leadership of Downton Abbey to Mary, even though this could not be a worse time in the scheme of things. He has been such a force, but times change.
Financial woes are prevalent as well, emphasized with the arrival of American cousin Harold (Paul Giamatti), who has settled the estate with the help of Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), a newcomer to Downton who weaves his charm instantly with Mary resulting in a passionate one-night stand she may learn to regret. The finances also are wobbly here as all the money left behind by the Dowager Countess has been squandered. But how? The suggestion that maybe they need to sell off their London estate, Grantham House, is met with a rare explosion of temper by Robert who rules it out with fierce force.
Of course this is just a huge cast but this edition is dominated by Dockery’s Mary, navigating being in the eye of a storm but also showing dignity and smarts in the process. Bonneville retains his dignity even as events change around him and the always welcome McGovern’s Cora. Fan favorites Carter and Nicol get proper farewells and treat them with grace. It is fun to see Giamatti, whose character Harold was last in the TV series more than a decade ago, and with him the slick and sexy newcomer Sambrook played with sly charm by Nivola, bringing forth a interloper who may not be who he says he is. That discovery is due to the return of Tom, again nicely played by Allen Leach, who is in cahoots with Laura Carmichael’s feisty Edith to get to the truth, if only for the sake of this entire family empire.
Others include Lady Merton aka Isobel (the wonderful Penelope Wilton) getting new power running the annual county fair, much to the distaste of the man who thinks he is in charge, Sir Hector Moreland (Simon Russell Beale). A welcome newcomer to Downton is none other than Noel Coward (Arty Froushan), who comes to a dinner and performs on a night all troubles are forgotten. There is also news of a new generation emerging in this landscape with the pregnancy of Anna Bates, played again by Joanne Froggatt, the second child for her and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle). There is also a charming story thread for Footman Mr. Moseley (Kevin Doyle stealing scenes), who has written a movie and is working on a second as he forges a second career outside of the service job at Downton. “You know the real stars are the writers!” he says enthusiastically, and with a wink from Fellowes who is perhaps commenting on his own contribution to his irresistible franchise.
There are so many characters, so many storylines weaved in and out, you have to properly also give credit to returning director Simon Curtis for keeping them all straight and so naturally intertwined in the fast-paced goodbye that comes in just over a tight two hours and never feels rushed, never feels like cramming in too much to please the fans. It is a tall order, and Curtis’ elegant and assured guidance, along with Fellowes’ customarily witty and engaging scenario, make this the best Downton movie of them all, one I have to admit shedding a tear or two by the time it ended.
Producers are Fellowes and Liz Trubridge.
Title: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Distributor: Focus Features
Release date: September 12, 2025
Director: Simon Curtis
Screenwriter: Julian Fellowes
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Paul Copley, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Paul Giamatti, Joanne Froggatt, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leach, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Penelope Wilton, Douglas Reith, Alessandro Nivola, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson, Dominic West, Simon Russell Beale
Rating: PG
Running Time: 2 hr 3 mins
