Year: 2020

Runtime: 125 Minutes

Director: Autumn de Wilde

Writer: Eleanor Catton (screenplay by), Jane Austen (based on the novel by)

Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth

By Rosa Parra

I walked into the screening for this film without any knowledge of the story nor have watched any previous adaptations. I’m a sucker for period pieces and after watching the trailer to this film, I immediately knew this would be on my to watch list. “Emma” is directed by Autumn de Wilde and it stars Anya Taylor Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Myra McFadyen, Josh O’Connor, and Callum Turner. This film follows the “Handsome, clever and rich” Emma Woodhouse who’s been meddling in other people’s lives as a matchmaker.

The costume design and production design are the strongest suits in this movie. Oh gosh, the costumes in this film are gorgeous. The attention to detail in the movie is impeccable. From the hairpieces to the material the clothing is made with, it’s just excellent and captivating. There can be two women standing or sitting next to each other wearing similar colour clothing and the detail design in the fabric clearly indicate which person is of the higher class and who isn’t.

Details aren’t only paid towards the costumes and production design but also the acting aswell. There is a scene where Emma and Harriet are sitting next to each other and they’re both holding a cup of tea. Emma with perfect posture is holding her cup with such care and finesse while Harriet is holding the cup normally (again indicating who is the status of the two). The production design gives you a Wes Anderson vibe. The pastel-coloured walls, symmetrical shots, and gorgeous paintings give the impression you’re watching a live painting. The world in this film is built meticulously I wanted to walk over to the screen to somehow get into this world and wander around.

The costume design and production design are the strongest suits in this movie. Oh gosh, the costumes in this film are gorgeous. The attention to detail in the movie is impeccable.

Anya Taylor Joy gives a phenomenal performance showing her versatility as an actress. Overall the entire cast is excellent with great performances—a believable romance with the two leads oozing with chemistry. There is a dance scene where all the characters are present. I’ve never felt an incredible amount of emotions with a single dance. Emma and Knightley tell us a great deal only with their eyes. A single hand-touch has never been so provocative and enticing. Ms Bates (brilliantly portrayed by Miranda Hart) who initially comes across as the annoying gossiping neighbour will end up winning you over.

Anya Taylor Joy gives a phenomenal performance showing her versatility as an actress. Overall the entire cast is excellent with great performances—a believable romance with the two leads oozing with chemistry.

But! Yeah, there’s a but! I did have some issues with it. The jokes didn’t work for me, and I wasn’t invested in the film until the second act. However, the moment I was reeled in this film, it never let me go. I’ll go back to last weekend’s film, “Sonic”. I wasn’t the biggest fan and said I wished I had one of the gold rings so I can transport my self into another world instead of watching the film. Well, this is the world I would have loved to be transported to with that gold ring. “Emma” is “Clueless” in a period piece with “The Favorite” mildly peppered.

I give this film a 7 out of 10