Review of Downton Abbey (2019) by Markhreviews — 16 Oct 2019

Be forewarned: I’m one of the few people on the planet who did not watch a single episode of the “Downton Abbey” TV series (2010-2015) before deciding to attend the movie. My first clue that this film might involve a kerfuffle was the opening ten minutes of exposition, where two of the actors narrated clips introducing all the major characters and their backstories. My primary reaction was amazement at the breathless implausibility of it all. My secondary reaction was incredulity at the number of storylines being maintained simultaneously. In fairness, by this point, most of my fellow moviegoers, who had presumably followed the TV series, were nearly orgasmic with delight.

As the movie trailer makes clear, the central storyline is that the lord of the manor receives a letter announcing the impending arrival of HRH King George V and Queen Mary for a parade through the town, dinner, dancing and an overnight stay. Mayhem ensues – apparently, the new butler in charge of the staff has been negligent in shining the silver. I was aflutter worrying about what future events of equal consequence might occur.

For the first half of the film, I was completely confused. Apparently, aristocratic white men in wide-lapelled suits and broad-brimmed fedoras all look pretty much the same.

However, by the second hour, I’d decided that “Downton Abbey” is an entertaining diversion, even for the uninitiated. No big points are made, there’s no major social commentary (except a glancing blow regarding the plight of gays in the late 1920s). The only “subtle” point is Writer Julian Fellowes’ support for the monarchy – if his adoration for the monarchy were a gymnast, it would fly off the balance beam, do three flips and two twists in the air, stick the landing and raise the King’s scepter in triumph. In my recollection, there were no actors of color anywhere to be seen.

Even so, this film won me over. It’s as fluffy as finely-whisked meringue, but kind-hearted and quite sweet-spirited throughout. While the dizzyingly intersecting storylines make “The Young and the Restless” seem straightforward by comparison, it’s all done with a charming earnest sincerity. With a running time of two hours, “Downton Abbey” has the time to bring all these stories in for a landing. There are chaste kisses, lingering looks, nods of understated satisfaction and lots and lots of stiff upper lips.