Are you a fan of British TV shows with a dash of romance, a sprinkling of suspense, and a touch of comedy that will have you on the edge of your seat? If so, I have just the movie for you: Downton Abbey. This title was originally a PBS show for six seasons, and just this year a movie from the franchise has been released. I, for one, am glad all the characters have returned because I have missed them so much. Seeing the beautiful estate and landscape again on the big screen was breathtaking.

The plot of the movie revolves around the King and Queen of England’s visit to Downton Abbey.  The entire house is in an upheaval to plan for the royal visit both upstairs (Lord and Lady Grantham and family) and downstairs (Mr. Carson and the colorful crew of servants). My favorite character is the Dowager Countess, the mother of Lord Grantham, otherwise known as “Granny” (played by Dame Maggie Smith).  The Dowager Countess is the true “leader” of the household and the family. The sparring between the Dowager and Isobel (Penelope Wilton) is as lively as ever and is arguably the best dialogue pieces in the movie. My favorite line takes place in a scene where the Dowager Countess comments to Isobel: “I’m glad I’m a revelation and not a disappointment.” This is exactly what I thought about the movie.

For me, one of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the master and servant relationship. In one scene, Lady Mary and Lord Grantham deliver chairs during the black of night in the pouring rain to be used in a parade for the King and Queen. The lords and ladies of the house work as hard as the servants. There are several moments in this movie when the masters and the servants are clearly friends who help each other. 

Of course, another aspect of this movie that doesn’t disappoint is fashion. The ladies in the film wear beautiful dresses in lush shades of green and blue, and it made me wish that I could wear them. I want to see the movie again just to admire the ball gowns in the final scene. 

Downton Abbey is certainly a must-see movie. Go watch it at a theater near you!