Year of Release: 2020
Director: Autumn de Wilde
Screenplay: Eleanor Catton, based on the novel Emma by Jane Austen
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Bill Nighy, Gemma Whelan
Running Time: 124 minutes
Genre: Period, comedy-drama
In Regency-era England, the wealthy young Emma Woodhouse (Taylor-Joy) enjoys meddling in the love lives of her friends, while having no intention of getting married herself. Emma soon learns, however, that despite her best efforts, her matchmaking plans often make things far worse.
This film is based on the 1815 novel by Jane Austen. I have never read the book and so can't comment on how faithful this adaptation is. The film opens with Emma being described as "handsome, clever and rich", which is a perfect description of the film. Visually it is sumptuous with every frame practically looking like something you could clip out and put on the wall, while the stories direction and the ultimate end is never really in doubt, it is a witty script, and the whole thing feels like a gorgeous cinematic confection. Anya Taylor-Joy is perfect in the lead, giving a captivating, spirited performance. Johnny Flynn as Emma's foil Mr. Knightley, the only one who challenges her on her schemes. Mia Goth gives depth and heart to her role as Emma's friend, and accidental victim of her schemes. There s also good support form established British comic actors such as Miranda Hart, Bill Nighy and Gemma Whelan. I'm not sure how Jane Austen fans will feel about the film, but I found it a hugely enjoyable diversion.
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