Downton Abbey is a British historical drama series that follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff on the fictional Yorkshire estate of Downton Abbey. The show ran from 2010 to 2015, comprising a total of 52 episodes across six seasons, and became a highly successful and popular television series not just in the UK, but worldwide.

The story was far from over, however, and in 2019, a trilogy of feature films began with Downton Abbey, which brought back the original cast, followed by Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2022. Now, in 2025, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale cordially invites you to the final film, now showing in cinemas worldwide.

The film follows the Crawley family and the Downton Abbey staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal caused by her divorce and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepare for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.

The final film centres around Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley, the eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham. She is set to inherit the Downton Abbey estate from her father, Robert. She has also since divorced from Henry Talbot, which the family is trying to keep secret, as it would be frowned upon if the public were to find out.

Michelle Dockery’s performance has demonstrated significant character development since the first episode of the television series, as she navigates numerous life changes that occur simultaneously. Alessandro Nivola joins the cast as Gus Sambrook, a wealthy American businessman who fancies Lady Mary, especially now that she’s single.

Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern return as Robert Crawley and Cora Crawley, respectively, the parents of Lady Mary. They are now the Earl and Countess of Grantham and the head owners of Downton Abbey. While dealing with family matters, they struggle to come to terms with the fact that the time has come for them to pass on the ownership of the estate to their daughter and try to work out what they’ll do after their reign is over.

The film features many of the main cast members from the television series and the past two films, as well as characters who made one-off or occasional appearances. They include Laura Carmichael as Edith Pelham, Jim Carter as Charlie Carson, Raquel Cassidy as Phyllis Baxter, Paul Copley as Albert Mason, Brendan Coyle as John Bates, Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates, Michael Fox as Andy Parker, Dominic West as Guy Dexter, and Paul Giamatti as Harold Levinson, just to name a few.

Even though the film’s main focus centres on Lady Mary Crawley, the film does a fantastic job of featuring other prominent characters, tying up loose ends and wrapping up their stories, even if a few characters get a smaller feature.

One of the most prominent characters since the beginning, Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, passed away in the previous film, making it one of the most emotional moments in the franchise’s history. The actress who played her since episode 1, the late great Dame Maggie Smith, passed away in 2024, and the final film gives a very touching, emotional, and fitting tribute to both the character and the legendary actress who brought the character to life. She may not have been there for the final film, but her presence can be felt throughout its entirety.

The final movie does an amazing job of wrapping up various storylines and subplots. It highlights the significance of all the characters, their histories, and their roles at Downton Abbey. Knowing that this franchise and its 15-year history are coming to a close may be sad to think about, but the way this film presents everything makes it all feel bittersweet and gives it the sendoff it deserves.

Set in the late 1920s, audiences will see fashion, architecture, buildings, cars, and more from that era, which fans of the show and those with a fondness for vintage styles will certainly appreciate. Characters will be seen in the fanciest suits and the most glamorous dresses, as well as outfits representing their respective roles at Downton Abbey, many of whom have been there since the series began. John Lunn returns one final time as the composer with music that includes 21 pieces, such as “A Night in Piccadilly / I’ll See You Again” and the “End Titles”. It really takes you back to decades past and what life was like back in those days.

Another major part of Downton Abbey is, of course, Downton Abbey itself. Since the beginning of the series, Highclere Castle, located in Highclere, Hampshire, has served as the primary film location, just as it has for the television series and the previous two films. The castle is currently owned by George Reginald Oliver Molyneux Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon. It offers stunning visuals and backdrops, thanks to its ornate architecture, both inside and out, as well as the diverse rooms within and the beautiful scenery surrounding the castle. Highclere Castle has provided the perfect set pieces for a show set in the 1920s. It makes its grand final appearance as the franchise’s main setting, where the Crawley family, some extended family, and all staff have called home for many generations. The film makes sure to remind fans of the many stories, high and low points, trials and tribulations that have taken place over the 15 years of the Downton Abbey franchise.

Sadly, the Downton Abbey franchise has come to an end, but it has provided many memories that won’t be forgotten anytime soon and built a loyal fanbase who have been following since the beginning. The film honours the past, its history, and the variety of characters, both past and present, and provides closure that will leave fans satisfied and offer a proper goodbye. The ending is a real trip down memory lane and will bring a tear to anyone’s eyes. The doors of Downton Abbey close one final time in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Written by: Sammy Hanson