Downton Abbey the TV series originally aired from September 2010 to December 2015. The series was later complimented by two movies that followed as continuation pieces, Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). So which film was a better continuation?
When comparing two such continuous pieces that are historical dramas, it's always important to highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the plots, the characters and, of course, the settings of the storylines. It is also important to note that the cast and production are a vital factor in the success of such pieces because of how they can reach the audience.
Downton Abbey Faces Opposing Outlooks
2019's Downton Abbey centers around the arrival of royalty at the Downton estate. The main criticisms come from audiences that have not seen the TV series at all. Thus, they did not understand anything that was happening, leading them to be confused and bored by the content. There is also a portion of the audience that criticized the LGBT storyline of one of the characters. Aside from the critical opinions of viewers, the critics have a different take on why there is a large gap of opinions. The opposing side believed it to be bland, predictable, and uninformed. In summary, the movie gives viewers exactly what they expect to get but is focused on the viewers who have been following the series.
The biggest strength of Downton Abbey is its appeal to anglophile viewers and the fact that the film keeps true to the series. It also focuses more on the working class than the upper class. It recognizes the significance of the lower class and just how important the menial tasks of non-lethal work can be when in dangerous social settings, such as having a welcome banquet for royalty. There are also points in the film that generate the reactions seen in everyday lives, like when not to speak and how influential that is. The feeling of nostalgia and comfort from the acting of the characters help promote the familiarity and extend on previous aspects of the series that the fans really love. Humor also makes a great aspect of attracting more favoritism, which is well known to be a signature trait of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham.
Downton Abbey: A New Era Shifts Toward Higher Acclaim
Downton Abbey: A New Era centers on an inheritance and keeping the balance books. The dialogue is lacking in some areas, especially where Violet is concerned with her witty remarks. There is also a notable lack of plots since the title refers to the film as "a new era," and the comfort and security depicted in the film reflect past charm and nostalgia as opposed to a clear change to Downton. It centers on the warmth of the characters traveling to a new villa after much hardship as opposed to exploring other subplots with Robert and the leaking roof situation. Some viewers' see it and others don't, which has awarded lower ratings.
The higher ratings highlight different aspects of how the film brings about a new era for the family itself. Mary helps reinforce this by presenting herself in such a way that levels her equal to her servants rather than above them, showing the shifting of the power in the household from her predecessor to herself. One important piece of foreboding that seems to be missed is the leak itself. The location of the leak is between the master quarters and the servant's quarters, which implies a rift. In the ending scene, there is also a noticeable difference between the servants eating in the dining hall and the richer folk out at the buffet. Another indication to the new era reference in the title is the actual death of Violet. She is the symbol of the previous generation, the icon of what was expected as opposed to what would be expected from then on.
Downton Abbey vs. A New Era: Which Film Was Better?
In both films, the cast and crew are mostly the same. There were few changes, except for introducing new characters for possible future plots. One detail that reflects on the making of both films is the change in directors and producers. Ultimately, ratings and opinions determined that Downton Abbey: A New Era won out due to how it's received overall by critics and fans.