Emma. is a 2020 period romantic comedy film directed by Autumn de Wilde, from a screenplay by Eleanor Catton, based on Jane Austen's 1815 novel of the same name. The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role of Miss Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy and elegant young woman living with her father in Regency-era England who amuses herself with matchmaking and meddles in the romantic lives of those closest to her. The cast includes Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, and Bill Nighy in supporting roles.
Now I have always struggled with Jane Austen, between the language and formalities or the era and the overriding topic of marriage I couldn't find a way to connect to the characters. I am a firm believer that if one took a shot every time the word marriage came up one would be under the table in the first 30 minutes. Then came de Wilde's Emma.
Encouraged by the cast and the beautiful costumes, all set against such wonderful backdrops and the Wes Anderson like filmography I sat down to watch the film in great anticipation. I was not disappointed. The one description that I have seen about the adaptation that sums up best is that Jane Austen's book was "humanised but not modernised."
The acting was remarkably open and human, the filmography was brilliant, everything from the portrayal of the seasons to the clever execution of humour, the whole film is wonderfully done. But my particular favourite part of this film, in a close second behind the acting, was the soundtrack. The music accentuated the feelings of the characters, the sadness and the humour. It is a truly beautiful film that has now found its place amongst my favourites.
Reading Recommendations & Content Considerations
Emma. Emma
DVD Jane Austen