A top notch film adaption of Jane Austen's classic novel.
This movie is a pure joy to watch from beginning to end. Emma is as charming as anyone could ever hope for. This is due in no small part to an incredible performance by Anya Taylor-Joy as the title character. Already so early in her career this young actress has already proven to be one of the brightest upcoming stars and here she is given a role that suits her perfectly. She never goes out of her way to make her character likable, yet we can't look away from her whenever she is onscreen. Mia Goth is also just as incredible as Harriet Smith and quickly wins our hearts. Much of this charm is also due to the fantastic direction by Autumn De Wilde (in what is shockingly her feature film debut). She had previously been a music video director and that probably plays a large part in why this film is so visually and stylistically gorgeous (though of course cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt and art director Alice Sutton have a lot to do with this as well). As soon as the film starts it's unique look immediately captures your attention. De Wilde also does an excellent job at making this movie flow at a relaxed pace without the film ever feeling slow or boring. This film is just as much a comedy as a period drama and although the humor is much less broad than your average Hollywood comedy, it is no less funny and I certainly wasn't the only one in the theater who laughed quite a bit. Every comedic bit is perfectly set up and pays off beautifully. Yet none of it distracts from the story itself, which is also very charming.
I don't want to give any summary of this picture as if you don't know Jane Austen's novel it is best to go into Emma not knowing what to except. Just know that the film is completely and utterly delightful.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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