The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

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Turning a series into a movie is tricky; the allotted time for the plot is different, the audience expectations are different, and the character arcs are different. Can Downton Abbey pull that off?

Based on the famous British series of the same name, Downton Abbey follows the Crawley family through a surprise visit by King George V and Queen Mary. With so much to prepare and so many invitees, the drama is constantly escalating with grudges being fought, secrets being revealed, and surprises continually dropping.

The plot gets somewhat complex as it follows many characters, each with their own secrets and dramas, just like the series the film is based on. Even audiences who don’t know the feature’s origin can quickly tell this is based on a series because it very much feels like one long episode of a posh TV drama.

Except for an assassination attempt, the other “issues” in the feature are not relatable; from the abbey’s staff butting heads with the Queen’s personal staff, to polishing the silverware in time for the visit.If these issues seem trivial and uninteresting to you, then you probably shouldn’t see this film.

On the other hand, if you are already a fan of the series, the film offers more of your favourite guilty pleasure, even if the elaborate storylines of the series do not develop as much in a feature.

There was also a significant issue with character distinction as the actors were mostly talking in the same manner about the same type of “issues,” it was very easy for audiences to get confused. This had a huge toll on the acting, leaving almost none of the actors any room to stand out with their performances. The only exception was Maggie Smith because of her character’s snappy one-line insults that distinguished her from the rest.

If you like the Downton Abbey series, then go and see this, but if you don’t like the series, don’t bother.