The Crawleys are back for one last bow in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, arriving in theaters September 12 (with early screenings starting September 10 in Dolby Cinema & Premium Large Formats). Before we step into the 1930s with the family, here’s a quick refresher on where things left off in Downton Abbey: A New Era, and a look back at the queer storylines that made history on the grand estate.
Where We Left Off in A New Era
The last film ushered Downton into Hollywood’s golden glow when a movie production came to film at the estate. Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) found herself holding the reins of Downton as she stepped into a more modern role, balancing tradition with survival. Meanwhile, the family set off for the French Riviera after learning that Violet Crawley (the incomparable Maggie Smith) had inherited a villa under mysterious circumstances.
Amid romance, laughter, and inevitable scandal, the film ended with both triumph and heartbreak. The family bid farewell to Violet in an emotional closing chapter, while Mary cemented her place as the leader ready to guide Downton into the future.
For a more detailed rundown of the events of last season, watch the video below.
What to Expect in The Grand Finale
According to Focus Features, the Crawleys now face the turbulence of the 1930s. Lady Mary is at the center of a public scandal, and with financial struggles mounting, Downton’s legacy itself is on the line. The new film promises high drama, dazzling gowns, and the ever-present clash between tradition and change—all wrapped in Julian Fellowes’ signature wit.
Queer Legacy at Downton
While much of Downton Abbey is rooted in aristocratic drama, the franchise has consistently woven queer themes into its storytelling, offering rare representation in a period piece of this scale.
- Thomas Barrow’s Journey: Played by Robert James-Collier, Thomas’ story as a closeted gay man in Edwardian and post-war England has been one of the show’s most poignant arcs. From early struggles with secrecy and shame to eventual moments of love and acceptance, his character broke barriers on television.
- A New Era’s Romantic Chapter: In the last film, Thomas’ story took a hopeful turn. His connection with Hollywood star Guy Dexter (Dominic West) offered him both companionship and the promise of a future unburdened by secrecy—a milestone moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Downton Abbey.
- Themes of Belonging: Beyond individual characters, Downton has long wrestled with questions of identity, class, and acceptance—making it resonate deeply with queer fans who see parallels in their own journeys.
The Final Bow
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale isn’t just the end of an era for the Crawleys—it’s a farewell to a series that’s given audiences love stories, heartbreak, and unapologetically queer moments within a world where they were rarely acknowledged.
Mark your calendars, dust off your pearls, and get ready for one last trip to Downton Abbey. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale opens in theaters Friday, September 12. Get your tickets now.
