The film is set in 1930 where many of the wealthy on both sides of the Atlantic are dealing with the recent Stock Market crash and the changing roles in society where traditional elements are changing in a rapidly modernizing world.
The arrival of Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti), to England to see his sister Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern), should be a joyous visit but instead brings news of financial losses and a need to sell assets in order to meet the estate obligations such as installing plumbing in many estates that are in their care.
With control of the Abbey and estate set to come under the control of Lady Talbot (Michelle Dockery), things become overly complicated when she becomes a social pariah due to the standards of the time.
The staff also ponders change as some are set to retire and others are looking to relocate with the Lord and Lady when they relocate should the handover to Lady Talbot go as planned.
The movie takes the time to build and it allows for the characters to all have their moments which underscores why they have become such beloved favorites with fans. The emotional finale was a fitting end but I do have to wonder if there will be more to come as a scene with the children and pending changes that World War II bring makes me wonder if a Next Generation series or films could come.
Creator Sir Julian Fellowes has a full card with his very enjoyable The Guilded Age series and other projects; yet I do think that should the desire to visit the Abbey arise again; we could see more. For now it is a great visit with beloved characters and a fitting and emotional finale.
4 stars out of 5
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