Emma.
The brief
Autumn de Wilde's Emma feels like watching a Wes Anderson period piece, with symmetrical compositions and candy-colored costumes that pop off the screen like a Georgian dollhouse come to life. Anya Taylor-Joy nails Emma's insufferable confidence without making her completely hateful, while Johnny Flynn brings actual charisma to what's usually a thankless romantic lead role. The pacing is leisurely in that distinctly British way where every glance and social slight gets its proper weight. Perfect if you're into visually sumptuous Austen adaptations or loved the meticulous design work in films like Marie Antoinette.
The verdict
If you love visually sumptuous period pieces with meticulous design work and can appreciate leisurely British pacing, this candy-colored Austen adaptation is a gorgeous treat. If you prefer faster-moving plots or find insufferable rich characters grating even when well-acted, the two-hour runtime will feel indulgent.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect for a cozy date night
- 👥 Great for Austen fans with friends
- ⚠️ May bore action movie lovers
Heads up
- Brief nosebleed scene (brief)
- Social class tensions and snobbery (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Autumn de Wilde
- Cast
- Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Bill Nighy
Official synopsis
In 1800s England, a well-meaning but selfish young woman meddles in the love lives of her friends.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Enola Holmes 3 (2026)
Both feature witty heroines navigating romance and society in period England.
