Movie Review | Emma. [2020]

If you’re a Jane Austen fan, it’s hard not to love her story of Emma, written in 1815. And after the fantastic 2009 BBC miniseries, you might wonder whether another screen adaptation could really succeed. When I first saw the trailer for Autumn de Wilde’s 2020 version, I was skeptical. Could it capture the magic, or would it try too hard and fall short?

Let me put your mind at ease: it is simply wonderful.

Elegant, charming, and a visual delight from start to finish.

The gentle hues, idyllic landscapes, ornate period costumes, and meticulous attention to detail make every scene feel like an impressionist painting come to life — and all you want is to step right into it. (Even if you’re not a die-hard Austen fan, this alone makes it worth watching.)

While the plot has been simplified, the heart of Austen’s story remains intact. The script is sophisticated, witty, and moves at a pleasing pace. Casting is superb, with each actor adding nuance and depth:

• Johnny Flynn’s Mr Knightley won me over, despite my love for Johnny Lee Miller's portrayal in the 2009 adaptation. His Knightley is believable, endearing, and a true gentleman.

• Miranda Hart as Mrs Bates and Bill Nighy as Emma’s father shine in their comedic supporting roles, elevating the film even further.

• Mia Goth as Harriet Smith is utterly lovable and winsome.

And then there’s Emma Woodhouse herself, brilliantly played by Anya Taylor-Joy — one of Austen’s most delightfully flawed heroines.

Rich, spoiled, overconfident, self-righteously stuck up, and delightfully meddlesome, she’s a character you can’t help but be fascinated and frustrated by - in equal measure. And it's precisely these traits that make her journey so captivating. Watching her grow in self-awareness and maturity, you can’t help but fall in love with her character.

In this adaptation, Emma stays true to Austen's creation: her flaws aren’t softened, she doesn’t try to charm us, and she never apologises for her selfishness — confident her motives are good. Her slow, subtle realisation of the consequences of her meddling, and her awakening to her feelings for Mr Knightley, make her transformation all the more satisfying.

As a romantic comedy, Emma is light-hearted, engaging, and an absolute delight. For anyone new to Jane Austen, this film is a wonderful introduction to her captivating characters, sardonic wit, and Regency England.

I think Jane herself would be proud.

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Written by Leanne Johnson

Watch the official trailer