Emma

A bit like with the recent David Copperfield adaptation, I’m not familiar with the source novel but I’m told this is a lot more of a traditional take on Austen’s early rom-com.

Not knowing the story certainly affected the first 30 minutes of the film, I spent much of it not really knowing, or much caring about the characters in front of me, but here’s the thing, as the story unfolded I was increasingly pulled in to Emma’s world. A world of privilege, entitlement, wealth and characters with little real responsibility meaning their world revolves around the trivia of matchmaking and gossip.

Emma is at the heart of it, a world she wants to influence and control, partly for entertainment, partly to help, while petty jealousy raises its head occasionally, it’s mostly innocent meddling in the love lives of friends and for Emma the need to bat away unwanted admiration.

Emma’s life is filled with innocent meddling, until it isn’t, her life starts to unravel as relationships don’t follow her grand plan and eventually she over steps a mark, with an arrogant unpleasant turn.

Although it started slowly, as I got drawn into the story the more I enjoyed its quirky sweetness and innocence. Anya Taylor-Joy was beautifully engaging as the titular character and was surrounded by equally enjoyable supporting performances, Mia Goth’s Harriet particularly and turns from Bill Nighy and Miranda Hart doing, well, Bill Nighy and Miranda Hart !

It’s beautifully shot and while it is unlikely to be discussed for its unique take on an Austen novel, it is more than enjoyable entertainment.