Downton Abbey: A New Era | Villa Rocabella, 20's Fashion And Love For All (No Spoilers)

Disclosure: I received passes to see Downton Abbey: A New Era at AMC Elmwood Palace 20 Movie Theater here in New Orleans. I was not obliged to write a blog post, but wanted to share several things about the movie that really impressed me. All opinions in this blog post are 100% my own and honest.

Not Sponsored: I've been a huge fan of Downton Abbey for years. I watched the tv series on PBS. I purchased Downton Abbey themed beauty products (was also gifted some items from a blog friend) from a special collection at Marks & Spencer overseas. I attended the first movie and loved it (2019). After watching the first movie, I felt they would make a second one. So that brings us to Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). While researching the movie, I thought it would be helpful to give you some useful background information. These things really helped me appreciate the movie even more. I promise not to spoil anything for you. The movie takes place in two locations: both the UK (Highclere Castle) and also France (Villa Rocabella). The Countess Dowager (Maggie Smith) has been bequeathed a villa in the South of France (French Riviera) by a former love interest. Villa Rocabella is absolutely breathtaking and you can actually stay there (24K-68K a week)(also shown here). The beautiful villa and its surroundings (water & land), is reason enough alone to see this movie. If you love period fashion (this movie takes place in the late 20's), there are so many beautiful clothes to see in this movie. In particular, pay attention to the wardrobe of Lady Mary, Lady Edith and Madame de Montmirail. The dresses, hats and jewelry they wear are absolutely stunning. The men's fashion, in this movie, are equally paralleled. I loved the Summer suits, hats and sunglasses worn by Robert Crawley, Tom Branson and Herbert "Bertie" Pelham. Besides the fashion and gorgeous villa to look at, moments that captured my attention was Tom Branson and Lucy Smith's wedding. Pay very close attention, because this beautiful wedding is the first thing you will see in the movie. Lucy's wedding dress and veil are so pretty. You can read more about them here and also view their fine details. The tiered wedding cake not only makes a statement, but looks scrumptious as well. Intertwined in the story line will be topics of love, death, sickness, illness, paternity, insecurity, snobbishness, uncertainty, hopelessness, relief, unexpected surprises, laughter and joy. These are all things, that make for a very good story. But what do you expect, when you have an exemplary novelist, screenwriter and producer (Julian Fellowes) behind the story. I expected nothing less. Maggie Smith is the star of this movie. She will keep you laughing from start to finish. She commands this movie. I love her. If you are contemplating whether or not you should see Downton Abbey: A New Era, I encourage you to see it. It completed things for me, as far as all of the characters in Downton Abbey. Their story can go on (as in life) ... may go on (in another movie) ... but for me, this will be the end. This is where I will stop. The story is complete for me. Its an ending I will cherish. I'm so glad I experienced it with others who loved it as well.