Downton Abbey is drawing to a close with one final spectacular send-off as devotees say goodbye to the cherished series once and for all, reports the Mirror.
The Grand Finale signals the conclusion of an epoch as the ensemble reunites on screen for one last occasion, 15 years after initially debuting. There are also some new cast additions as well as some gorgeous locations for audiences.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale chronicles the adored Crawley dynasty and their servants as they venture into the 1930s where Lady Mary discovers herself at the heart of a public controversy whilst navigating divorce proceedings.
The household confronts monetary difficulties and the entire establishment wrestles with the spectre of social humiliation.
The Crawleys must welcome transformation as the staff brace themselves for a fresh phase with the succeeding generation steering Downton Abbey towards the future.
Downton Abbey’s star-studded ensemble descended upon London’s Leicester Square last week for the premiere, and now enthusiasts can at last indulge as the film is now screening in cinemas.
Critiques from reviewers and supporters have already been pouring in, with the production scoring 8/10 on IMDB and 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Empire Magazine have awarded the motion picture three stars out of five.
Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the last film in the epic period drama franchise.
One person posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I have so much to say and so much to feel but spoilers. So I will just say it was perfection and utterly beautiful. I cried. I can only thank Julian Fellowes and the cast and crew. #DowntonAbbey is still something special #DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale.”
A second commented: “forever thankful to elizabeth for giving us such a wonderful character. i’ll miss cora crawley more than words can say #DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale.”
A third commented: “Downton Abbey has always been throwaway melodrama but majestic Maggie Smith & a comfort & a hug…thank you #DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale it was just that & perfect, such a beautiful final scene. Loved it & Goodbye.”
A fourth noted: “#DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale really was the perfect farewell to all the characters. The right blend of humour and reminiscing. Loved seeing how each character had developed. If you’re a Downton fan get yourself down to the cinema, it looked and sounded amazing on the big screen.”
Over on reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, critics have lauded the appropriate conclusion to the treasured franchise.
One declared: “It’s a fond and fine farewell to this lengthy endeavor, as well as a film with an endearing degree of fondness for its characters.”
Another contributed: “Fellowes has created a final chapter worthy of this marvelous cast of unforgettable characters. Each and every one of them brings the energy – and charm – these beloved personages deserve.”
Someone else remarked: “As always, it is gorgeous to look at and revel in. The sumptuousness of the surroundings and the empathy for the characters bring this saga to most a satisfying conclusion.”
Nevertheless, one reviewer issued a caution to cinema-goers with no previous experience of Downton Abbey. “There is no conceivable reason why anyone unfamiliar with Downton Abbey would choose to see this film-and if they did, they would likely drift into sleep from a mix of confusion and boredom,” they said.
Another critique on the harsher side noted: “Extremely little actually happens in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale — certainly not enough to justify a third feature. It barely even feels like a TV episode with benefits.”
Someone else proposed: “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale would have been better off being made as three or four separate television episodes. The filmic medium did not do the plot any favors, and unfortunately came across as a rush job.”
Meanwhile, audience reactions have been considerably more positive with numerous glowing five-star ratings. They have particularly lauded the conclusion as one declared: “Well Done. Excellent, well written conclusion, probably the best way to wrap up a series like this one.”
Another contributed: “The people, the music, and oh, that ending! Definitely stay for the credits.”
Someone else observed: “Lovely production, satisfying story, excellent pacing. Thoroughly enjoyable end to this wonderful series.”
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is screening in cinemas now