Downton Abbey: Unveiling Lady Sybil's Shocking Demise - Fans Beware!

Summary

Lady Sybil's exit from Downton Abbey was planned from the beginning, as the actress, Jessica Brown-Findlay, had always intended to leave after three years.

Brown-Findlay sought a more varied career to avoid being typecast, leading her to depart from the show. However, in Downton Abbey: A New Era, Lady Sybil's influence is still evident through Tom Branson's character and the film score, which features music that honors Sybil's memory.

What prompted Sybil's departure from Downton Abbey in season 3, and what led to her character's demise? Sybil, the youngest daughter of the Earl and Lady Cora, Robert Crawley, had a shocking and unexpected death in the middle of season 3. Contradicting some speculations, Sybil's exit had been planned since the very beginning of Downton Abbey. Among both the Crawley family and the household staff, Lady Sybil was arguably the most adored individual in the grand estate.

While she was undeniably born into wealth and privilege, Sybil possessed a kindhearted nature and a rebellious streak. She displayed a passion for progressive politics and the desire to uplift the lives of others. An illustrative instance of this occurred in season 1 when Sybil helped one of the family's maids, Gwen, secure a secretary job outside of the house. She later defied societal expectations by marrying Tom Branson, the family's chauffeur. Although they initially eloped, they eventually returned, and the wider family eventually accepted her choice. Tragically, Sybil's life was cut short in 1920 due to complications during childbirth.

Why Lady Sybil Was Killed Off

Jessica Brown-Findlay, the first leading cast member to depart from Downton Abbey, had made it clear from the beginning about her intended duration on the show. According to creator Julian Fellowes, Brown-Findlay had asserted that she would only stay for three years before moving on. This decision was motivated by Brown-Findlay's desire to avoid being confined to the role of Lady Sybil and to explore a wider range of acting opportunities. Fortunately, her departure paved the way for Lily James to join the series as Lady Rose, a cousin of the aristocratic family.

Lady Sybil's Presence Is Felt In Downton Abbey: A New Era Via The Film Score

Despite Lady Sybil's absence from the show, her influence can still be felt through Tom Branson in the Downton Abbey: A New Era film score. Since Lady Sybil's passing, Tom has remained single, and his grief for her plays a significant role in shaping his character. In the film, Branson finally finds love, and this pivotal moment is beautifully complemented by composer John Lunn's ballroom score. During the grand ballroom scene, Lunn deliberately conducts the music to evoke the presence of Lady Sybil's spirit while also marking a new chapter in Tom Branson's life. When discussing the scene, Lunn explained:

"In the final moments of the ballroom scene, there is a breathtaking sequence with the sunset as a backdrop, where Branson encounters someone and they share a dance together on the balcony, bathed in the warm glow of the fading light. To capture the essence of this moment, I had to compose a piece that initially resembled the elegance of Strauss, but seamlessly transformed into a more Downton Abbey-esque sound. Striking the right balance was quite challenging, as it needed to flow effortlessly."

In Downton Abbey: A New Era, Tom Branson's role is significant. It is crucial to his character that Sybil's memory is kept alive through the score, adding a touch of haunting drama to the film. Since Lady Sybil passed away years before the events of the movie, her presence is only implied.

While flashbacks could have been used to include Lady Sybil, the producers chose to prioritize the living characters within the limited two-hour story. However, her impact is still felt through the music. With Tom Branson and their daughter Sybbie present in the film, fans can find solace in knowing that Lady Sybil's memory lives on in the Downton Abbey movie.

What Jessica Brown-Findlay Has Done Since Leaving Downton Abbey

After departing from Downton Abbey, Jessica Brown-Findlay successfully expanded the range of her roles. She notably appeared in the first season of Black Mirror, specifically in the episode "Fifteen Million Merits." Additionally, she took on the female lead in Winter's Tale (2014) alongside Colin Farrell, as well as in Victor Frankenstein (2015) opposite James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe. Brown-Findlay also made appearances in Netflix's The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society, which featured Lily James in the leading role, and reunited with fellow Downton Abbey alumna Penelope Wilton.

Moreover, departing from Downton Abbey granted Brown-Findlay the opportunity to showcase her talent on stage. In 2015, she made her professional theater debut in The Oresteia and later portrayed Ophelia in Hamlet. Notably, she opted not to commit to long-term television roles and undertook a three-year stint on Harlots as Charlotte Wells before seeking out new opportunities. She further lent her voice to the character Lenore in three episodes of the third and fourth seasons of the Netflix animated series Castlevania. In recent years, she has secured leading roles in Brave New World on Peacock (2020) and Flatshare on Paramount (2022).