80
There’s something quite comforting in seeing her (Austen) work returned to a more natural habitat: adapted into handsome, clever, faithfully unambitious films like Autumn de Wilde’s Emma.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
75
The A.V. Club by Caroline Siede
Anchoring it all is horror darling Anya Taylor-Joy, who makes for a particularly icy Emma.
70
The Hollywood Reporter by Caryn James
De Wilde and Catton deliver a largely faithful and unchallenging adaptation, beautifully staged and sharply acted by a cast adept at balancing wit and romance.
60
CineVue by Christopher Machell
This version of Emma. is unlikely to win any accolades for invention. Indeed the 1996 film Clueless arguably remains the most exciting version of Austen’s novel. Nevertheless, de Wilde’s version is a confident and lively translation of Austen’s wit on to the screen.
83
De Wilde doesn’t strain for relevance or reinvent the wheel, she just unapologetically serves dessert for dinner until you’re left with the satisfaction of eating a three-course meal.
70
There’s artificiality to Emma. that, while it makes it a joy to watch and admire, doesn’t leave us with much of a lasting impact. But despite all that, it is refreshing to see an Austen adaptation that finally captures the author’s witty, satirical talents.
40
It should be a delicious chocolate gateau but Emma. makes heavy weather of Austen’s charmer, delivering a tonally uneven, mostly airless affair. Amy Heckerling’s Clueless — Emma in the Valley — remains the big screen benchmark.
60
The Observer (UK) by Mark Kermode
In the lead role, Anya Taylor-Joy creates an admirably spiky character who is less likable than some of her screen predecessors, and all the better for it.
85
Mr. Woodhouse’s daughter may be a case study in the perils of playing God with others’ hearts, but Emma. is proof that bringing a timeless book and fresh talent together is still a worthy kind of artistic matchmaking.
60
While the story’s sturdy, familiar structure remains resonant, this version never feels particularly inspired or revelatory, despite some lovely moments scattered throughout.
I was skeptical of this film. It's hard to justify yet another adaptation of Emma, when, as everyone knows, Clueless is the ultimate Emma adaptation. Can any film really hope to reach the comedic heights achieved with the famous, "You're just a virgin who can't drive" line? I'll admit - I liked this film more than I thought I would. The sets were gorgeous, it was funny, and there was good chemistry between the lead actors. The relatively unknown Anya Taylor-Joy was surprisingly delightful in the role of Emma, and I liked Johnny Flynn (of little loved British series Scrotal Recall) as well. I just don't think this film was good enough to justify it's making. Clueless was - and always will be - the ultimate Emma adaptation. This production, although lovely, is just another imitation with little new to say.
One of my favorite adaptations of Jane Austen's work! I appreciate how fun and stylized this project is, as it perfectly aligns with Emma as a character and the world she inhabits. If you enjoyed Pride and Prejudice and want to explore more Austen adaptations, I highly recommend this film as the next one to check out.