The final film focusing on the Crawley family is heading to cinemas on the 12th September. But is the finale is grand as critics hope?
The Guardian: *** “The film is very silly and always watchable in its weird way, with those eccentrically emphasised shots of characters thanking each other for their thoughtfulness. The next Downton Abbey film will surely have to make these characters absorb the rise of fascism and the stormclouds of war. It promises to be a diverting spectacle.”
Express.co.uk: **** “Hats off to Julian Fellowes for masterfully juggling not just the extensive cast of the Crawleys, their servants and their spouses, but also this plethora of colourful new characters. The franchise creator and screenwriter masterfully weaves the various personal storylines together, making sure that all the fan favourites get their special moments.”
The Telegraph: *** “The concluding third film in the series serves up jollity, fresh scandal and a wander down memory lane.”
The Independent: *** “This apparent closer to the long-running TV and film series can’t help but feel like two episodes smashed together.”
Digital Spy: *** “At least there is a sense throughout that everyone’s story will be tied up in a neat little bow before a final scene that succeeds in being both a sad and sweet farewell.”
The Daily Mail: **** “It’s corny and formulaic, sometimes even preposterous, but two hours immersed in Downton is fundamentally the same as it’s always been, like luxuriating in a warm bath. And hurrah for that. I’ll rather miss it.”
The Standard: ** “At a time when flag-shagging fascism is rearing its ugly head, the whole project feels hollow. As one character infers, clunkily, towards the end of The Grand Finale, it can be “more comfortable to live in the past than the future”. I’m not sure this vision of the past offers much comfort any more. The Americans will probably still love it, though.”
The Hollywood Reporter: “True to its title, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale works hard to provide closure to fans for their 14 years of devotion. This is particularly true in the final moments, with return director Simon Curtis providing a nostalgic reverie featuring haunting images from the series’ past, including, of course, Maggie Smith’s indelible character, whose portrait frequently looms over the proceedings. The film fittingly ends with a dedication to the late actress whose contribution to the property’s success can’t be overstated.”
Deadline: “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.”
The Times: “An agonisingly familiar plot proves that this last film, written on autopilot, has nothing left to say about life above and below stairs – apart from Mrs Hughes the housekeeper’s sex tips.”