Following the antics of a young woman, Emma Woodhouse, who lives in Georgian- and Regency-era England and occupies herself with matchmaking – in sometimes misguided, often meddlesome fashion- in the lives of her friends and family.
As with other Jane Austen novels adapted for the screen, once is clearly not enough. This most recent version follows a BBC mini-series, a television movie starring Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong, as well as a previous film version starring Gwyneth Paltrow – each a worthy production in its own right.
Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role offers up a spunky and endearing Emma, busy as a matchmaker for any soul who happens to sail into her orbit. At first, the plethora of characters will challenge audiences to keep up. However, ample screen time for all ensures that no one gets lost in the whirlwind of aristocratic social discourse. “Emma.” puts on full display a seemingly idyllic upper-class England, but appearances often prove deceiving.
Bill Nighy once again turns in a superb performance, in this case as Emma’s doting, hypochondriac father. Despite his frequent entrances, one could still wish for more. Nonetheless, a rich mix of supporting cast members drop in regularly to stir things around. Josh O’Connor as Mr. Elton, the local minister, hams it up suitably. Johnny Flynn as George Knightly serves as Emma’s reliable sounding board – in fact as a brotherly friend and neighbor, virtually the only character willing to speak frankly to her. Tanya Reynolds as Mrs. Elton oozes condescension at every opportunity. The vapidly chatty Miss Bates (Miranda Hart) gushes shamelessly concerning the most trivial items.
Mia Goth shines as Harriett Smith, invariably losing herself in the midst of Emma’s endless machinations. Amber Anderson as the accomplished and surefooted Jane Fairfax, and Callum Turner as Frank Churchill – apparently poised to inherit great wealth – round out the long list of formidable talent. With the exception of Nighy, the cast comprises clearly seasoned character actors that, unfortunately, most audiences will not immediately recognize. No matter. Without a doubt, all of the players seem ideally suited to their roles.
Directed by Autumn de Wilde from a screenplay adapted by Eleanor Catton, this latest outing – representing at least a fourth iteration – will afford Jane Austen fans with much to savor. Although the trailers make much of the comic quirks, the actual film takes a more measured approach over its two-hour runtime. From the elaborate costumes to the sprawling production design, to the intricate dialog, this earnest effort ultimately brings all of the elements together nicely by the time the closing credits roll.
“Emma.” is now available on Digital HD and on Blu-ray and DVD May 19th
