Spoiler alert: We’re about to discuss the ending of Downton Abbey: A New Era, now in theaters. If you haven’t seen it yet, make like O’Brien and get lost!
From long-buried family secrets to a Singin’ in the Rain-inspired storyline, Downton Abbey crams plenty of plot into its latest big-screen venture. But let’s be honest, there’s one moment from A New Era that we have to discuss above all others — and it’s one we hoped would never arrive.
We’re speaking, of course, about the death of Maggie Smith’s Violet Crawley, better (and forever) known as the Dowager Countess. It’s heavily foreshadowed throughout the movie, with several characters wondering aloud if it’s wise to leave home for a month with Robert’s mother so ill, but no amount of preparation can soften the blow of watching this family suffer another unimaginable loss.
True to form, Violet makes the most of her final moments, thanking Robert for taking such good care of her and — believe it or not — apologizing to Cora for doubting that she’d last at Downton. She shares sweet exchanges with Mary and Edith, then with her best frenemy Isobel, before getting one last laugh via these parting words: “Stop that noise, I can’t hear myself die.” (If you aren’t sobbing while this goes down, you’re a bigger monster than Bates’ ex-wife.)
Her death is instantly felt throughout the house, with the biggest display of emotion coming from poor Carson, for whom serving the Dowager Countess has practically been his life’s work. Violet’s funeral procession is followed by a time jump, one which reminds everyone that life goes on, before the camera pans over to an enormous portrait of the iconic character and the screen fades to black.
To be fair, Smith has been preparing us for her character’s passing, even if we didn’t take note at the time. “I certainly can’t keep going,” the actress said in a 2015 interview. “To my knowledge, [Violet] must be 110 by now. We’re into the late 1920s.”
Tell us: How many buckets did you sob during the Dowager Countess’ earthly departure? Grade Downton Abbey: A New Era below, relive more of the movie’s biggest moments, then drop a comment with your full review of the bittersweet sequel.
-
Robert's Daddy Issue
Image Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features The film’s “A” plot involves Violet learning that she owns a villa in the South of France, a gift from a Marquis she knew in the 1860s that she previously assumed was a joke. Dear readers, this palatial gateway is absolutely not a joke, as we see when a handful of the Crawleys visit France to meet the son and widow of the mysterious benefactor.
One of the reasons his son is determined to carry out his father’s wish is because he believes that Robert is his half-brother, the product of a presumed affair between Violet and the Marquis. It’s a juicy twist… or at least it would be if it was true. Shortly before her death (great, now we’re thinking about it again!), Violet assures Robert that he is indeed his father’s son.
-
Cora's Health Scare
Image Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features Speaking of twists that turn out to be nothing, Cora spends much of the film fearing that she has cancer, only to find out that it’s merely pernicious anemia. (Finally, some good news from
the Angel of DeathDr. Carson.) -
Tom's Good Fortune
Image Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features And it’s nothing but good news for Tom, who begins the movie by marrying Lucy and the ends it by returning to Downton with a new baby. Did I mention that Violet leaves the villa to Sybbie? Win-win-win!
-
Mary's (Too) Close-Up
Image Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features The “B” plot finds Downton invaded by a silent film crew, including two of the biggest stars of their day. But when the project morphs into a talkie (they’re all the rage!), the leading lady’s Eliza Doolittle voice isn’t quite what the director is looking for. Fortunately, Mary happens to have the perfect accent for the part, offering up her voice to the picture. The director hopes Mary will offer up a whole lot more, but she insists that she’s happy with Henry, who’s in “Istanbul or something” racing cars. (That marriage deserves a much closer look, just saying.)
-
Barrow's Happy Ending
Image Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features Of all the characters I never expected to get their happily ever after, it was Thomas Barrow. Nevertheless, sexy movie star Guy Dexter takes a liking to the Crawley’s butler, ultimately asking Barrow to join him as a professional “dresser.”
Despite the realities of the time, it’s comforting to hear openminded characters like Mrs. Hughes offering Barrow words of encouragement along his personal journey. Even Mary tells him, “I hope you’ll be as happy as our cruel world allows,” which is… the nicest thing she’s ever said to anyone?
-
Molesley's Big Break
Image Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features After proving his worth to the director and establishing himself as a professional screenwriter, Molesley finally gains the confidence to make an honest woman out of Phyllis — even if she has to remind him to get down on one knee. The awkward proposal is very adorable and very Molesley, and the twist that his new career may make him the richest one of all someday is simply inspired.
