'Downton Abbey: A New Era' (2022)
Opening thoughts: Absolutely loved 'Downton Abbey' throughout its run and still do when watching repeats, so well made, written and acted (how could it not be with that cast) and not too demanding. It was always one of my most-anticipated programmes every year with each season and more often than not was a yearly highlight. Also enjoyed the first 'Downton Abbey' film a lot, it wasn't perfect but was a charming and entertaining piece of escapism that succeeded in many areas.
Was absolutely thrilled hearing that there was a follow up and 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' was seen without hesitation when it was finally available. And you know what? 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' was every bit as good for similar reasons and also a charming, polished and entertaining piece of escapism that doesn't try to do any more than necessary. It isn't perfect and is a little disappointing compared to the show, with the mistakes the first film made being repeated, but so much is also done right.
Bad things: 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' has its problems. The editing is a bit too abrupt at times, especially towards the end of scenes when ends of conversations jumped to scenery shots which made the film feel a little jumpy. Like the first film, there are a number of subplots and characters and again this reviewer couldn't help thinking that there were too many and some of them were too under-utilised. Especially when in the Riviera. A longer length of 15-20 minutes would have helped it and made it feel less like a season's worth of film.
Furthermore, it was sad that Nathalie Baye and especially Brendan Coyle have practically nothing to do, which is pretty criminal.
Good things: However, so much is good. It looks absolutely great, very sumptuous and clearly done with a lot of polish. Reminding me of what makes me love period dramas so much. Downton looks imposing and a feast for the eyes, like its own character, and its elegant interiors brings back fond memories of visiting national trusts. The photography is beautifully framed, the costumes evocative of its period and the scenery takes the breath away. The stunning French Riviera vistas stealing the show. The music avoids over-scoring and intrusion and the hypnotic main theme hasn't lost any of its magic. The direction is controlled and doesn't feel too television bound, opening up the drama enough. Sure, the arrangements may not be true to period but the music choices are very nostalgic.
Writing is witty and heart-warming, the disdainful put-downs and one liners from Violet really standing out. The story is not too dull and does compel, entertain and warm the heart, despite being over-crowded. Everything that happens at Downton is immensely charming and a lot of fun. The ending is incredibly touching and loved the 'Singin in the Rain' (a favourite of mine) influence. The cast are near-uniformly good, apart from the waste of Baye and Coyle. Michelle Dockery and Hugh Dancy are charming, Elizabeth McGovern is moving and Laura Haddock and Maggie Smith are uproariously funny.
Concluding thoughts: Concluding, not great but very well executed on the whole.
7/10.
