Emma.
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Johnny Flynn
Directed By: Autumn de Wilde
Rated: PG
Spring is well on its way, and as I say goodbye to the dull void of winter movie season, it appropriately fits that the first movie I walked into on March 1st was Emma. What a vibrant film bursting with wit and charm. Jane Austen’s classic tale has been brought to the big screen multiple times, including the classic Gwyneth Paltrow adaptation from 1996 and the iconic teen hit Clueless starring Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd. (It’s possible that I watched that movie every day when I was 13. Don’t ask me how, but I have watched it during an MRI.)
Emma. follows Emma Woodhouse as she tries to play matchmaker for her peers in the town of Highbury. She lives with her eccentric father, Mr. Woodhouse (Bill Nighy) in Hartford Estate. When she meets a schoolteacher named Harriet (Mia Goth), the two become close friends, and Emma hopes to teach her the ways of high society and match her with a man in town. Her friend, Mr. Knightley (Johnny Flynn), warns Emma against meddling, but she’s stubborn and proceeds anyway. Can Emma find a good match for Harriet? Will she eventually find someone for herself?
Sure, we’ve seen the story of Emma before, but first-time feature film director Autumn de Wilde finds a way to make it feel wonderfully fresh. She understands the humor and beauty of Austen’s novel and the heroine at its center. She brings it all to the screen brilliantly, making sure the audience is engaged with every scene. It all feels choreographed like a dance that hits all the right beats synced flawlessly to Isobel Waller-Bridge’s score. Even the editing choices are timed perfectly.
I cannot stress enough how perfect the pacing is in this movie. Perhaps the best usage of the pacing is the romance that lies at the heart of the movie. If you somehow haven’t seen Emma, Clueless, or the 1,000 Hallmark movies that have used the storyline, I’ll give no spoilers. It involves Emma and a certain man. You want the two to get together; then, something happens to derail the situation. Autumn de Wilde leaves breadcrumbs to hint that it’s going to happen but makes you wait, so their big moment is earned.
A witty cast of characters is the key to making this story work. Each actor brings just the right amount of personality to their role. No screen time is wasted with supporting characters like Mr. Elton and Miss Bates who make the most of their scenes. The two are played brilliantly by Josh O’Connor (who you may remember from the Crown) and Miranda Hart with just the right amount of awkward and comedic energy.
This is, of course, Emma’s story, and Anya Taylor-Joy had a significant task bringing the iconic character to the big screen, but she excels. Emma can be stubborn, childish, and frustrating, but we still want her to find her happiness. She considers herself to be something like the town matchmaker (Emma puts dating apps to shame!) At its core, this is a coming-of-age film with Emma learning how to deal with society, relationships, and herself. Anya Taylor-Joy’s quick wit and lively charm is the beating heart of the film.
Bill Nighy is a scene-stealer as Emma’s father, Mr. Woodhouse. He’s a quirky and kind-hearted man who loves his daughters. Nighy showcases great comedic timing, especially with a bit involving a draft in the temperature. I found him particularly relatable because I’m always cold. I was cold while watching this movie.
Mia Goth is Harriet, Emma’s best friend. There’s a wide-eyed innocence to her as she tries to keep up with Emma’s high society lifestyle. Their friendship is very sweet.
Image belongs to Focus Features
Getting the right Mr. Knightley is imperative, and I’m happy to say Johnny Flynn is an excellent fit for the character. He is a humble and mature friend to Emma, who tries to guide her away from her meddling and towards a more mature pastime. He is a supportive friend who is always there for the Woodhouse family. Flynn and Anya Taylor-Joy have great on-screen chemistry that slowly builds at just the right moments of the film.
It’s only March, but we have an early awards contender for best costume and set design! There is so much beauty surrounding every scene of this film. The set and costume design are worth the price of admission alone. The film takes place in one year through the changing seasons. This makes every sequence look like a painting come to life with beautiful seasonal backgrounds. The Woodhouse’s Hartford Estate, Mr. Knightley’s Abbey, and the grand Churchill home are all ornately decorated with stunning detail. When I say the details are beautiful, I’m talking right down to the wallpaper! I need to go see this again just to take it all in.
Every costume is equally impressive, with each character bringing their sense of style to the film. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne does an excellent job creating stellar looks for every aspect of the film that reflects their distinct personalities.
The cinematography is stunning, using tracking shots and symmetrical framing to show the character’s daily activities. The usage of bright colors and vibrant tones are cheerful and welcoming, inviting the audience to the town of Highbury.
There’s something timeless about the work of Jane Austen that allows audiences of all ages to enjoy her stories anywhere, anytime. Emma. is a beautiful reflection of that fact. Emma. is a vibrant and charming film that gorgeously transports the viewer back to 19th century England in a style that would make Jane Austen proud.
My Rating: 9/10