'Downton Abbey: A New Era' Delights With Hollywood Magic

The worldwide phenomenon “Downton Abbey” is back, gracing the big screen yet once again with its breathtaking splendor, tantalizing pageantry — and never-ending intrigue. Catch all the nostalgia of the titular grand manor, delighting us all with the proverbial opulence of the aristocratic Crawleys and the unparalleled gracefulness of their intrepid servants.

Interestingly, the two “Downton Abbey” films are structured around illustrious guests who auspiciously get the entire household into a tizzy. In the 2019 original film, it was a royal visit by their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary. This time around, in “A New Era,” it is a silent film director (Hugh Dancy) and his crew wanting to shoot their movie at Downton.

Watch the trailer.

Lord Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville ) is certainly aghast at the idea, vehemently making his bold posture of disapproval known at once. After all, how dare the production crew and the film’s stars (Dominic West and Laura Haddock), insult the beauty of his palatial estate?

Well, it’s only a matter of time before the Abbey begins “a new era,” a period when even the ultra-upper class can conveniently elicit and evoke sensibilities, thanks to Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), who becomes the epitome of such pragmatism and transformation.

Fiery as she is, Mary reminds her father, the lord of Downton, that the rental fee from the movie production can help finance the roof and attic repairs. In other words, financial probity begets honesty and decency.

Meanwhile, the Crawleys are shocked beyond belief to learn that the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) has unexpectedly inherited a sprawling French villa from a deceased Monsieur de Montmirail. For what reasons? Her son, Lord Crawley and his American wife, Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), will soon uncover the mystery as they embark on a French Riviera trip to claim the newly inherited estate, joined by Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), their son-in-law Tom Branson (Allen Leech), and their butler Carson (Jim Carter).

But complications arise as they encounter Madame de Montmirail (Nathalie Baye) and her son (Jonathan Zaccaï). Will they be evicted from the villa?

As if there’s not enough commotion already! The dramedy also happens downstairs among the servants. Apparently, Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) feels ambivalent about his fascination with movies. Meanwhile, Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) and Daisy Parker (Sophie McShera) shine as they lend their hand in ironing out some production kinks. Then, there’s Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier), who dabbles in another love affair.

All in all, while “A New Era” might feel somewhat a reenactment of the 2019 original film, longtime fans of the popular British soap are in for a treat, nevertheless.

Simply put: Moviegoers will spend time with the series’ beloved characters under the spell of Hollywood magic, further elevated by magnificent performances, deft direction and engaging dialogues.

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