Blimey! The film posters on the latest Downton Abbey sequel that’s been popping up on my Instagram feed is making me dream of a trip to Europe again. There’s even a poster drawing contest for citizens of the UK and the US. How can you not squeal in excitement, especially if you’re a fan? From the trailer, it sounds like something I’d watch twice. In anticipation of the second part of the film, finding its base in a TV series with the same name, I finally got around to watching the 2019 motion picture (as a Netflix subscriber) yesterday. Ah! The signature theme music that will transport you to fascinating sights of castles, and take you on a trip to what it was like to have snail mail and to get a telegram (Nope, I’m not referring to the messaging app Telegram). Just take a look at the costumes, will you? I mean, who would have reimagined such a wardrobe so well? It took me a while to adjust to all that, especially when the dialogue and script remain a hallmark of the much debated period-type fiction. Seeing cross-cultural elements being depicted on film were both familiar and intriguing at the same time, to me as someone who has interests in different cultures, languages and its nuances. As someone who also grew up around classical music, it’s even easier to appreciate especially the related scenes that had passages of classical music in them. In general, music choices matched the scenes and did not feel choppy or awkward. It is hoped that the sequel will be sharper and wittier. As usual, only the Lord knows whether it will be hitting the silver screens in Malaysia.
Netflix subscribers can watch (and relive the memories) of Downton Abbey – the first installment- until April 15 2022, in conjunction with sequel, set for release in Apr/May 2022 (for residents of the US and the UK).
