The first “Downton Abbey” film was a welcome surprise at the back of the beloved series; and at the end of the film, there was a solemn shot of the Countess of Grantham which beautifully ended the film and made audiences think this was the end of the Downton journey. However, they are back for “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” the highly anticipated sequel. And as the title suggest, there’s set to be a new era for the Grantham family, possibly leading to future film and TV projects.
It’s 1929 and Lord Grantham (played by Hugh Bonvellie) is worried about his terminally ill mother (Maggie Smith). She has recently been gifted a villa in the south of France from a mysterious man who previously had a relationship with her—but the reason as to why she has this villa is the biggest mystery of all. The family travel to The Riveria to scope out this mystery, and secrets rear themselves into their idyllic time away. However, the film is not all set abroad; and a sharply-dressed film crew is set to invade the Abbey, much to Lord Grantham’s dismay. But as he is away, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is keen to have a film set there; she feels the money will help with the running of Downton.
The Risks and Benefits of a Sequel…
With a sequel, there is always a fear that the original cast will not return; but here they are all back and with new additions due to extended storylines. The members of the British Lion, the film company, are making a silent film. Their biggest star, Myrna Dalgelish, (Laura Haddock) has a very broad cockney accent. Later on, when the silent film becomes a talkie, “A New Era” makes her face humiliation and is an obvious link to “Singin’ in the Rain.” The other star of the film is Guy Dexter (Dominic West), who takes quite the shine to Thomas Barrows (Robert James Collier) the house butler, and offers him a proposition to join him in Hollywood as his dresser.
This film does feel like this is the end for Downton as we know it; but, as mentioned, it hints that a new age of Downton may potentially grace either the small or big screen. As the film does end with a funeral—but then with a new baby being born, it hints at the family expanding—and therefore more Downton content—which avid fans will be very pleased about.
Currently, “Downton Abbey: A New Era” is only available to watch in theaters.
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