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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider A review of 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale'

A review of 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale'

Published Sep 14, 2025 12:17 pm
From left: Laura Carmichael stars as Lady Edith, Harry Hadden-Paton as Bertie Hexham, Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Grantham, Hugh Bonneville stars as Robert Grantham, and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.' (Images by Rory Mulvey/Focus Features )
From left: Laura Carmichael stars as Lady Edith, Harry Hadden-Paton as Bertie Hexham, Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Grantham, Hugh Bonneville stars as Robert Grantham, and Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.' (Images by Rory Mulvey/Focus Features )
By Margaret Siytangco
The opening notes to the theme of Downton Abbey always transported its viewers to a world of grandeur. With six seasons under its tiara, fans and viewers have lovingly followed the lives of the esteemed home’s inhabitants, both above and below the stairs.
Every Downton fan misses the Dowager Countess, previously played by the late Dame Maggie Smith. But somehow, they made this movie with her still in it…” her presence permeated the story like the scent of the lovely blooms always at the landing. Cousin Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) story continues, following her as she navigates the complex world of polite (and often not-so-polite) society, as well as her new duties.
Michelle Dockery stars as Lady Mary and Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith in 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.'
Michelle Dockery stars as Lady Mary and Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith in 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.'
Perhaps the most satisfying part is that every single member of the main cast returned for this swan song. From the Crawleys (Hugh Bonnevilelle and Elizabeth McGovern) to Brendan Coyle’s John Bates and Jim Carter’s Mr, Carson, every lovable occupant of Downton came back.
Plus, every storyline got a conclusion, and nobody was left hanging. Every silver piece, polished. Every dress, buttoned nicely. It will leave your heart full to bursting…overflowing even. Tears won’t be strangers to you but for sure, will be welcomed gladly.
Change is in the air as much as it has ever been. It has never been a stranger to Downton, and this film is no different. It is not always welcome either, however in the end, even though we are leaving the characters we have cared so much for, we take heart that we are leaving them in a better place than they were at before.
From left: Raquel Cassidy stars as Miss Baxter, Kevin Doyle as Mr. Molesley, Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Brendan Coyle as Mr. Bates, and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates in 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.'
From left: Raquel Cassidy stars as Miss Baxter, Kevin Doyle as Mr. Molesley, Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Brendan Coyle as Mr. Bates, and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates in 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.'
There is not much to say except Thank You. To Julian Fellowes and Simon Curtis who wrote and directed this closing chapter. Thank You to the multitude of directors and scriptwriters who wove the best tapestry of tales of the show’s many seasons. To the actors and actresses who brought each character to life. Thank you. As Lord Grantham says, “Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments”. And every moment of the past six seasons and this finale is a moment worth remembering and cherishing.
Downton Abbey’s The Grand Finale is now showing exclusively in Ayala theaters and is the greatest gift its makers and actors can give to its fans. Downton Abbey … Thank you for everything. Farewell.
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