Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
In 1800s England, a well-meaning but selfish young woman meddles in the love lives of her friends.
Autumn de Wilde's adaptation of Austen's beloved novel shines brightest in its visuals — pastel-saturated, symmetrical compositions that feel genuinely painterly and distinctive — and in a superb ensemble cast led by Anya Taylor-Joy, who brings sharp intelligence and subtle vulnerability to Emma. The plotting, faithful to its source, is charming but well-trodden territory for Austen adaptations, and the ending, while satisfying, follows the expected romantic resolution without much surprise. Novelty sits in the middle: the film has a singular aesthetic voice and wry comedic tone, but it is still another adaptation of a frequently filmed novel.