The Downton Abbey Movie is Finally Here!

We’ve rooted for Mary and Matthew.
Fallen in love with Branson and Sybil.
Adored Carson and his tender heart covered in rigidity.
Gasped at Thomas and O’Brien’s nefarious schemes.
Laughed at the Dowager Countess delivering perfect zingers.
Rolled our eyes at the constantly put-upon Edith.
Sobbed when Sybil and Matthew died. 
Wished we could share afternoon tea with Daisy and Mrs. Patmore and Anna and Mr. Bates. 
Shaken our heads at Lord Grantham and cheered on the indomitable Cora.

And now, after a nearly four-year hiatus, we can do it all over again—because the Downton Abbey movie is hitting American movie theaters tonight.

The UK-based period drama that charmed audiences for six seasons ended its successful television reign in 2015, but today, it’s back in all its opulent British glory. The film premiered in England last week, and hits American theaters tonight. 

The film, from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes looks, by all accounts, to have captured the same magic of the beloved series. In the movie, the upstairs and downstairs residents of Downton are busy preparing for a Royal visit from the King and Queen of England, while navigating the ever-changing British society landscape of the late 1920s. 

Early reviews are glowing, with much of the show’s original cast back for the film. I know I’ll be anxious to see how things have shaken out for our favorite characters since we last checked in.

Are Edith and her new husband Bertie still deliriously happy?
Has Branson found love?
Are Mary and Henry still at Downton?
Has Carson adjusted to retirement?
And for heaven’s sake, has poor Daisy finally come to her senses and settled down?

Obviously, I’ll be heading to a movie theater near me as soon as possible to find out, and to get lost for 90 minutes in the magic of Downton one last time. 

And I’ll be crossing my fingers the Dowager gets the last perfectly-delivered word.