Roses Have Thoughts

Autumn de Wilde’s Emma. brings a fresh visual flair and refined wit to Jane Austen’s classic novel, creating a version that’s both charming and true to its Regency roots. The film immerses viewers in the life of Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy, beautiful, and self-assured young woman with a penchant for matchmaking. Although she’s somewhat oblivious to her own flaws, Emma’s journey of self-discovery rendered with intelligence and vibrancy makes this adaptation a pleasure to watch, even if it leans more on style than substance.

Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Emma, capturing her intelligence, vanity, and charm with remarkable subtlety. Taylor-Joy’s Emma is sharp, observant, yet emotionally reserved, underscoring her character’s limited self-awareness. She shines alongside Johnny Flynn’s Mr. Knightley, whose grounding presence creates an engaging dynamic of tension and affection. Flynn brings a rugged warmth to Knightley, balancing out Emma’s haughtiness with an understated sincerity that deepens their relationship.

Director de Wilde, best known for her work in photography, fills each frame with meticulous detail. The film’s colour palette, set design, and costumes are striking, giving a slightly heightened look that makes Emma a visual feast. The exquisite period costumes and elegant landscapes complement Austen’s satirical social critique, subtly highlighting the excesses of the upper class. The camera lingers on every flowered field and gilded interior, showcasing the absurdity of Emma’s privileged life while bringing authenticity to the world she inhabits.

However, de Wilde’s emphasis on style sometimes overshadows the film’s emotional arc. The characters are portrayed with a touch of whimsy that, while engaging, occasionally prevents the audience from fully feeling the poignancy of Emma’s growth. This approach keeps the film light-hearted and accessible but occasionally at the expense of Austen’s deeper social responsibility and self-awareness themes.

Yet Emma achieves a delicate balance between comedy and romantic drama. Scenes with the awkward Miss Bates (Miranda Hart) and the effervescent Harriet Smith (Mia Goth) highlight Austen’s satirical edge, bringing delightful humour that often lifts the story.

Though it may lack some emotional depth of other adaptations, de Wilde’s Emma offers a delightful, modern take on Austen’s classic. Its vibrant aesthetic, clever performances, and playful tone make it a refreshing addition to the canon, one that captures the spirit of Austen’s wit and the charm of her famously flawed heroine.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qsOwj0PR5Sk

IMDB