Downton Abbey is a period drama set in early 20th century Yorkshire, popular with grandparents and traditionalists everywhere. The TV series ended in 2015 and has been resurrected on the silver screen by screen writer and series creator Julian Fellowes.
The staff and occupants of Downton are all in a tither when a letter arrives informing them the King and Queen will be visiting the county and spending a night in their not so humble domain. The emotional reactions range from repressed anticipation to repressed nervousness, lest anything go awry. The droll drama kicks off when Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) asks the head butler to temporarily stand down for the more experienced former head butler. His egregious mistake was giving all their silverware a once over cleaning, intending on giving only the silverware that would be used by the King’s party a meticulous polishing. Personally, I was surprised he wasn’t banished for his transgression.
Downton Abbey is divided into two groups: the hard-working staff of the manor, and the aristocrats whose problems range from having to manage said staff to worrying if their rich cousins will be bequeathing any of their estate to them. The staff also have their woes and burdens. Chief among these burdens is the news that the royal staff will be taking their place in the kitchen and serving duties. It’s a bloody outrage it is! How dare the royal party assume that the staff of Downton can not handle the duties involved with a royal visit. Will the staff revolt in a polite and understated manner? Or will they meekly step aside for a nice, relaxing day off? You’ll have to watch to find out.
The announcement of the royal visit is also an opportunity for the characters to share their varied views of the monarchy. At one end of the spectrum is the local grocer who proudly tells the kitchen hands that supplying food to be eaten by the King and Queen is his greatest life’s achievement. At the other end is the kitchen hand Daisy (Sophie McShera) who sports a thick Yorkshire accent. She has a rather controversial attitude towards the visit – one that could only be described as apathy and mild exasperation. Nonetheless, by the end of the visit everyone, even her, is swept away by the wonder and magnanimity of the occasion. Barf. Even the Irish socialist of the aristocratic family is stoically neutral.
This entire screenplay is a chance to give loyal viewers a chance to know everything is working out well for their favourite characters. Julian Fellowes has clearly been influenced by Oprah Winfrey writing the endings for those within Downton: You get a happy ending! You get a happy ending! And you get a happy ending! If the fans can cope with the risky decision to keep things light and airy then this might just pay off for the producers. I am being sarcastic of course. There is real ‘drama’ in this period drama. I haven’t even mentioned the subplot where the boiler plays up right before the royal visit. Personally, I would kill to see Karl Pilkington narrate this film – “That’s not even a real problem. Just tell them the boiler is broken and they can shower at the next castle”.
If tangy BBQ sauce is a bit too spicy for you, if you enjoy the safe comedy of Michael McIntyre and always carry a sweater because you never know, then Downton Abbey might be up your alley. Begrudgingly, I should add it’s hard not to admire the beautiful and immaculate attention to the period detail. If you’re a sucker for 20th century aesthetics it’s hard to beat Downton Abbey; the hair, the outfits, every frame is a snap shot of a beautiful piece of time and space. It’s a small solace for those unfamiliar with the TV series.
Downton Abbey is in cinemas from 12th September through Universal Pictures.
