In the highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s Downton Abbey, A New Era uncovers a mystery surrounding an unexpected inheritance.
★★★★✰
In a nutshell, A New Era feels like coming home. It’s a witty and charming film where beloved characters adapt to changing times while surrounded by stunning locations and vibrant costumes and a feel-good attitude. As the family visits the South of France, Lady Mary guides the estate throughout its tenure as a filming location. Lines blur between the ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’ dynamic in light of the new residents at Downton, who offer a glimpse into the world outside of the Downton walls.
Laura Haddock, Dominic West, and Hugh Dancy are welcome additions to the cast, portraying the actors Myrna Dalgleish and Guy Dexter, and the director Jack Barber. They naturally fall into step with the original cast and crucially make their characters relatable. Additionally, seeing the filming process reveals an exciting time in cinema history. It’s thrilling to see how A New Era would have looked if it was made during the year it is set. There is an element of ‘breaking the fourth wall’ with this story arc as Highclere Castle—the real-life setting of Downton—used its filming proceeds to help pay for renovations. Channel 4’s Christmas at Highclere Castle shows how the historic location was used in the period drama, much like in A New Era.
The scenes in France are likewise a fresh take on the franchise, as the trip allows the characters to take a step back and reevaluate in a more casual setting. Looking into the past feels nostalgic but the film doesn’t rely on flashbacks to make viewers care about the family history. It utilises the established characters’ charisma to bring the past to the present. With some compelling plot twists along the way, it’s easy to get lost in it. Julian Fellowes’ (creator and scriptwriter) signature comedy helps to accompany the drama; the blunt sarcasm earns well-deserved laughter. Unsurprisingly, Maggie Smith delivers the standout quotable lines as the Dowager Countess of Grantham.
Hidden amongst the tomfoolery and mystery though, are nods to characters challenging the norms of the era, living up to the film’s title. Edith (Laura Carmichael) particularly stands out as she attempts to juggle motherhood with her passion for writing. It’s also a treat to see Tom Branson (Allen Leech) more naturally as a part of the family. Even the staff unexpectedly play a larger part and they navigate their own respective subplots.
The simultaneous storylines clash slightly, which makes the editing inconsistent as scenes move swiftly between the locations. We’re plucked between France and England at odd intervals; at times it feels like two separate films were melded together. It is worth considering whether this particular plot should’ve been told in a TV season format, given the array of relationships and the potential to delve into their developments. Despite this, there is a welcome spontaneity to the film. In literary terms, it feels overall like a novella. It’s there to show the audience a new side to the family, without forced conflict and over-the-top drama. The adventure and characters’ everyday lives are the focus, mimicking the feel of the Christmas Specials.
The Verdict
The story of Downton Abbey: A New Era paves the way for the newer generation to take centre stage. But it also cleverly utilises the other characters’ backstories, making it a worthy sequel. While the film feels like more of a farewell than any of the previous projects, the lingering feeling that there’s more to uncover offers a glimpse of hope that perhaps the story of Downton is still far from over.
Words by Olivia Gacka
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