Downton Abbey: A New Era

Hollywood certainly knows how to ruin a series. It did not have the same feel as the Downton Abbey series at all (maybe a few minutes here and there). The music was very pretty but that's about it.

I love period movies that are well done. The dialogue, plot, costumes are all on point, and the story flows well. Highly recommend for period movie lovers.

Downton Abbey: A New Era is exactly that—a warm, wistful, and beautifully constructed next chapter that gently closes the curtain on this beloved saga. Where the first film was a grand, glittering return to form, A New Era offers something deeper: a moving meditation on time, change, and letting go. It's funny, romantic, and—at times—genuinely heartbreaking. Michelle Dockery is radiant once again as Lady Mary, now the steadfast center of the estate. As a film crew descends upon Downton, Mary is tasked with holding tradition in one hand and modernity in the other—a metaphor she wears well. Dockery delivers some of her finest moments here, full of dry humor and subtle sorrow, especially as she quietly prepares for her own “new era.” Hugh Bonneville is pitch-perfect as Lord Grantham, and this time around, he’s given more emotional depth to explore. A surprising and poignant subplot allows Bonneville to show a tenderness we rarely see—he carries it all with grace, dignity, and just the right dose of vulnerability. But once again, it’s Dame Maggie Smith who steals the show. Her Violet Crawley is as sharp-tongued and formidable as ever, but there’s a softness beneath the barbs that hits harder than ever before. Her storyline in this film is a gut punch wrapped in pearls and wit, and Smith handles it with breathtaking delicacy. It’s a farewell that feels honest, earned, and unforgettable. The film’s split narrative—half at Downton, half under the golden sun of the French Riviera—works surprisingly well. It adds a cinematic flair without ever losing the series’ core spirit. The humor sparkles, the romance feels earned, and the emotional beats land with devastating precision. Visually, it’s stunning. The costumes, locations, and score are all elevated to match the big screen, but nothing outshines the emotional maturity of the story. A New Era doesn’t cling to the past—it honors it, and in doing so, gives these characters the send-off they deserve. In the end, Downton Abbey: A New Era is less about grand twists and more about meaningful goodbyes. It's a soft, elegant exhale—the final note in a symphony that’s played beautifully for over a decade. A fitting, emotional finale for a once-in-a-generation series.

I only recently got on the Downton Abbey bandwagon after avoiding it like the plague for years as a period drama snob. How wrong I was. The series is a genuine television masterpiece and the films take the story and characters in new directions while providing 2 hours of escapist fun. Shut out the world and imagine your a 1920s aristocrat, you'll feel better for it.

Have never watched an episode of Downton Abbey. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie!

I never watched an episode of the Downton Abbey TV series; I had only ever watched the 2019 movie and this one as its sequel. So, keep that in mind, I am not judging this film off of how faithful it is to the series but simply how it holds up as a movie. I enjoyed this film more than the 2019 original. I found the story going on at the titular abbey to be more engaging than the 2019's preparing for the arrival of the queen. The new characters introduced worked well off the main cast and brought a good balance of humor and drama to the picture. Nothing overly complex, but some good fun. The second story going on, where several of the main crew travel to France, is also interesting. This side plot highlights the moral strength of these characters and why people have come to enjoy them so much. A little slower than the other story, but good character drama on display. On the downside, both main side plots wrap up with about 30 minutes of the movie left. The final act denouement really seems to drag. Those who came to know these characters from the show will be more forgiving of a long farewell. But for those of us just watching it as a movie, and not as 3 episodes of a series, this can come across as sluggish. Overall, it was a pleasant little romp. Even without watching the show I found this film to be delightful. A New Era may just bring in some new fans as well.

Faithful to the TV series and a truly great sequel with a very interesting and twisty plot.

SPOILER ALERT ~ I've always been a fan of the series and other movies of Downton Abbey but I must say A New Era truly out does itself. I just don't see a way to continue without Grand Mamma! Maggie Smith is always a delight to watch.

Really? The staff all become me movie stars? What a ridiculous story line.

"Downton Abbey: A New Era" delivers everything you'd anticipate from a cinematic extension of the beloved series—charming, familiar faces, and a taste of aristocratic life. As a devoted fan, revisiting the grand estate and its inhabitants felt like a warm reunion, with Dame Maggie Smith once again stealing scenes effortlessly. However, while the plot surpassed its predecessor, the film lacked the scandalous drama that made the show addictive. Despite its shortcomings, it's a masterpiece for fans, leaving me with a smile and even wet eyes at times. Sadly, the editing leaves much to be desired, with choppy transitions detracting from the overall experience. Nonetheless, the allure of Downton Abbey endures, and this sequel, though flawed, serves as a delightful escape into a bygone era of opulence and tradition. If you're a die-hard enthusiast, it's worth the watch for the nostalgia alone.