After 15 years it is time to say goodbye to the Crawleys and their friends and staff. The last movie, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, brings many changes to the Abbey and everyone.
The year is now 1930. Times are changing inside the house, and outside as well.
The beginning of the story focuses on Lady Mary’s divorce, which brands her persona non grata in their social circles. A divorced woman is a pariah for the socialites of England in 1930. Interesting enough, just six years later the King would abdicate to marry a divorced woman.
As Mary deals with her new social standing, or lack thereof, the rest of the family and staff also face their futures which are quite different from what they – and the viewers – are used to.
Carson is retiring and turning the helm of Downton over to Andy Parker. Mrs. Patmore is retiring and turning the kitchen over to Daisy Parker. There are other big changes happening in the household as well.
The biggest change is Lord Robert Grantham’s position in the house. He fights it at first, but Cora helps him realize that Mary is ready to take over. It seems the times are really changing and everyone must deal with their new positions in life.
An interesting addition to the story is that of Noël Coward who helps to bring the household, family, and their social circle into the modern age. His presence alone gives Mary a boost up in their eyes. And for viewers who are not too familiar with Noël Coward, they might just do some research into his plays and stories. His personality and wit add to the story, as does the reappearance of Guy Dexter.
The final scene includes archival footage of the past as well as a sweet look at the late Maggie Smith whose presence as the Dowager Countess is sorely missed, but who has passed on her love of family and Downton to the next generations.
The cast is the same but the times have brought them all into a new era, past the roaring 20s and into the changing 30s. Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Paul Copley, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, and Penelope Wilton have brought their characters to viewers for 15 years and each have a grand finale in this film. Also, Paul Giamatti rejoins the story as Cora’s brother and Arty Froushan portrays Noël Coward.
While the movie itself is a good ending to the saga, the bonus features add so much for fans to enjoy.
- “Changing Times” – This is a fun look at how the characters have changed and are embracing the modern times. The cast and filmmakers look at the story and describe how the characters are set to move on and embrace their new lives.
- “Society Season” – This is a look at the summer season in London where the British high society gather for plays, parties, and to be seen at the balls. Particular events are discussed. Lady Petersfield’s Ball with the lavish gowns, looks at the wonderful costumes as well as the story weaving through the ball. Ascot also looks at the costumes befitting the elaborate horserace. Because the real Ascot has been modernized and would not fit into the era of the film, they found another location to double as Ascot. The County Show is another big part of the film. It is like a county fair.
- “Authentic to the Core” – Bringing the story alive to depict the authenticity of 1930 was not a small task. The costumes and events were researched to make sure the details were historically authentic.
- “A Farewell to Fans” – The fans of Downton Abbey have stuck with the characters for fifteen years. In this bonus the cast and filmmakers share experiences and messages from the fans who have supported them through the years.
- “DOWNTON ABBEY Celebrates THE GRAND FINALE” – Join Hugh Bonneville and the cast for high-tea at The Savoy. This is a delightful feature looking back at the lives of the characters, the cast’s stories and memories, a look at the music that made the scenes unforgettable, and a finale that fans might just tear up over. It’s time to say good-bye.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is now available on digital platforms and will be available on 4K Ultra Hd and Blu-ray beginning November 11, 2025. “Downton Abbey: The Ultimate Legacy Collection” is a treasure for fans. This Blu-ray set includes a 52-page book as well as 24 discs with the 6 seasons of the TV show and the three films. It’s the ultimate collection for fans of the show.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
