Welcome to Vox Populi, a new segment where Columba College ākonga cast a critical eye over recent pop culture happenings. For our inaugural installment, we invite Delilah Laing (Year 9) to review the new Downton Abbey film.

Downton Abbey: A New Era

Screenplay: Jullian Fellows

Director: Simon Curtis

In the continuation of the story of Downton, we find a particular beauty in the original, aristocratic life of the early 20th century Ladies, Lords and Misses. Downton Abbey: A New Era shows us what the Crawleys and their colourful staff have achieved since the last Downton Abbey movie was released in 2019. And what an era they enter, when the family and Downton find themselves challenged by the modern world, including a new form of entertainment called ‘Cinematography;’ but not only that - our iconic Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, comes into possession of a villa in the south of France, gifted to her by a mysterious French man with whom she spent time in France with many years ago.

At the beginning of the film, we are introduced to a glamorous view of the cast that gives you a sense of compassion to be savoured for the entire rest of the film. As we are reminded of Violet’s humorous remarks (“Don’t steer me. I’m not a racing car”), we see new couples and the evolution of our beloved characters that build on the beautiful sensations and satisfaction that fans have all enjoyed seeing throughout the years of Downton.

The new movie truly pulls at the heartstrings of many and the adventures included inside and outside Downton are handled exquisitely throughout. And don’t get me started on the music - John Lunn and The Chamber Orchestra of London do a positively wonderful job of portraying the scenes and carrying out the true effects of background music that we all needed, including the iconic theme that I know will remain stuck in our heads long after the credits roll.

I’d like to offer a true ‘hats-off’ to director Simon Curtis, for giving us this film. Although we were met with some inevitable heartbreak near the ending, the film still pulls through, managing to finish on the peaceful, positive note that we all thrive upon. Downton Abbey: A New Era is the film we all need in 2022, and I am happy to say that this movie was truly one of the best sequels I've seen. We now wait for the confirmation of a possible third film.

We are all left with that question, though: where are our beautiful villas in the South of France?