Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
Over the past 15 years, the Crawleys and the staff of their palatial English home have enthralled audiences as their family’s drama plays out in the hallowed halls of the estate. As the final chapter of their story opens on screens around the world, the Earl of Grantham’s (Hugh Bonneville) legacy comes to a conclusion for all who have loved the hierarchical atmosphere of Downton Abbey.
One of the intriguing aspects that has kept viewers rapt with attention is how series creator Julian Fellowes addresses the changing times and how the Crawleys must adapt to survive. Set in 1930, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) has once again thrown the family into societal upheaval as her divorce from Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode) is finalised, leading to scandal within high society. To add to the familial tensions, Countess Cora’s (Elizabeth McGovern) brother arrives to announce that he has lost most of the family fortune to the scrupulous financial advisor Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola). The family must determine how to adapt to society’s expectations and prevent their estate from falling into ruin. Life’s twists and turns force the family to rely on one another even more, as they turn to friends, Lady Merton, Isobel Grey (Penelope Wilton), actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West), and legendary playwright Noël Coward (Arty Froushan) for assistance in saving the family estate.
The Grand Finale faithfully serves this beloved series by providing everything the Downton Abbey devotees yearn for from their modern-day royals. Julian Fellowes rounds out each character of his beloved franchise by honouring all who played out these roles with convincing form. As his screenplay brings high society into the modern era, the story reveals that humanity remains the same, despite the wealth it may hold. There is an unrealistic component to wrapping up each character’s story arc that needs to fit neatly into the 124-minute runtime. Still, each character gets their desired swan song. While most of the acceptance of these changing societal norms may seem too advanced for 1930s English culture, the story unfolds as if the hallowed ground of the Crawleys’ estate has become the bastion of modernity.
As the book closes on Downton Abbey, the assemblage of those who have loved all who reside in the Earl of Grantham’s home and its surrounding lands will find satisfaction as the last word is cast. The Grand Finale requires awareness of the series and its subsequent films to fully appreciate the story. Yet, for the devotee or those just being introduced to the Crawleys, director Simon Curtis has carefully paid homage to the celebrated family and to all who have faithfully followed their lives over the years.
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Reel Dialogue: Inevitable Change
The Crawleys’ journey involves long-lasting and drastic changes to the lifestyles of all involved. These familial shifts add tension and stress to the way of life and relationships, causing all to consider walking away from generations of heritage. This opens the door to how we all naturally resist change, regardless of how it may lead to positive outcomes. For those who have lived more years on this earth, it is easy to say that change is inevitable.
Each person will face different obstacles and opportunities that will force us to mature physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The Bible addresses these changes and provides a guide for anyone willing to read it on how to respond. Reminding us all that God is part of the plan and that He is the one behind it all. A passage in Second Corinthians says, “Inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
These words are encouraging for those who believe in the God who inspired them. Change can be beneficial, but it can also be challenging to endure most of the time. Yet, if we resist it, we may reject an opportunity to grow into something new. As you face changes today, look to see if they may be a means of improving your world.
