Friday Film Review: Emma

David from Hillcrest Library reviews a film from our DVD Collection each Friday.
This week: Emma, directed by Autumn de Wilde

Handsome. Rich. Clever. This describes the eponymous Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy and elegant young woman, who amuses herself with matchmaking, and meddling in the personal lives of those near her. New Zealander Eleanor Catton has taken Jane Austen’s gorgeous novel and given it new life, and de Wilde’s direction is to be commended.

If you are a fan of Austen’s novel, you will be delighted by this film adaptation. And if you’ve never read a single line of Austen’s writings, you will be just as enthralled. Anya Taylor-Joy (of The Queen’s Gambit fame) gives a truly stunning performance as Emma. Delightfully devilish, Taylor-Joy plays Emma with cunning, wit, and eventually, genuine remorse. A stellar supporting cast make the film shine, especially Bill Nighy’s performance as Emma’s father, and Miranda Hart as Miss Bates. Perfectly timed gags, impeccable acting, gorgeous costuming, and cinematography make Emma a true feast for the soul. It’s the perfect sit-down film as you’re digesting your Christmas dinner, or a full box of Favourites. It’s moviemaking and adaptation at its finest!