Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) serves as a continuation of its predecessor, the 2019 film. Written by Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of the eponymous television series, and directed by Simon Curtis, the story follows Tom Branson, the widowed son-in-law of Earl of Grantham. He marries Lucy Smith, illegitimate daughter and sole heir to Lady Maud Bagshaw – Queen Mary’s lady-in-waiting. The family is taken aback when Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, surprises them with news that she was gifted a villa in Southern France years ago by now-deceased Marquis de Montmirail. Her great-granddaughter Sybbie – daughter of Tom and late Lady Sybil Crawley – is to inherit it to ensure her financial and social equality with her cousins George, Caroline, Marigold, and Peter.

A film production company desires to utilize Downton for their upcoming silent film, The Gambler. Initially, Robert declines the offer. However, with persuasion from his eldest daughter and estate manager, Lady Mary Talbot, he comes around when presented with the substantial fee that would be able to fix Downton’s roof. The household staff eagerly anticipate the arrival of the film’s stars, although Myrna Dalgliesh’s arrogance manages to offend a few of them. During this time, the new Marquis de Montmirail extends an invitation for the Crawley family to visit his villa. While Violet is unable to make the trip due to her health, Tom and Lucy accompany Lady Bagshaw, Robert and Cora Crawley and their daughter Edith along with her husband Bertie Pelham, the Marquess of Hexham. Additionally, they bring along former butler Carson, Mr Bates and Miss Baxter as their accompanying servants from Downton.