Watch Emma.

The movie Emma, released in 2020, stars Anya Taylor-Joy as the titular character Emma Woodhouse, a young woman living in 19th century England who enjoys matchmaking and meddling in the love lives of those around her. Johnny Flynn plays Mr. Knightley, a close family friend who often serves as Emma's voice of reason. Mia Goth portrays Harriet Smith, a naive girl who Emma takes under her wing and attempts to find her a suitable husband.

The film, directed by Autumn de Wilde, is a stylish and vibrant adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Emma, staying true to the era's fashion and architecture with its production design. However, the movie also injects a modern sensibility through its use of color, music, and editing. The pastel hues of the costumes and set pieces are bright and eye-catching, and the score by Isobel Waller-Bridge and David Schweitzer blends classical music with modern pop and electronic beats.

Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a captivating performance as Emma, capturing the character's wit and charm while also showing her flaws and insecurities. Her chemistry with Johnny Flynn's Mr. Knightley is palpable, and the two actors manage to make their characters' banter and bickering very endearing. Mia Goth is also impressive as Harriet, bringing empathy to a character who could have easily been dismissed as a ditz. The supporting cast, including Bill Nighy as Emma's eccentric father and Miranda Hart as the lovable Miss Bates, also shine in their respective roles.

The plot follows Emma as she tries to find a suitable match for Harriet while also grappling with her own feelings for Mr. Knightley. However, Emma's matchmaking schemes often lead to miscommunications and heartbreak, and she must learn to confront her own prejudices and desires in order to find true happiness. The film also touches on themes of class, gender, and societal expectations, highlighting the limitations and expectations placed on women during the time period.

The movie's pacing and tone can come off as slow or meandering at times, but the gorgeous visuals and strong performances make up for any lulls. Fans of Jane Austen's novels or period dramas in general will appreciate the film's attention to detail and its commitment to capturing the nuances of the era. However, even those unfamiliar with Austen's work can enjoy the movie's humor, romance, and themes of self-discovery.

Overall, Emma. is a delightful and charming adaptation of a beloved novel that manages to feel both faithful to its source material and fresh and modern in its execution. Anchored by strong performances and stunning visuals, the movie is a worthy addition to the Austen canon and a joy to watch.

Emma. is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 71.