Emma.
"Love knows best."
Emma Woodhouse grows up in a well connected English town, confident in her social instincts and convinced she can guide others toward happiness. When she sponsors matches and dispenses opinions on love, she stirs a series of romantic misunderstandings that ripple through her circle. This 1800s... Read more
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About Emma.
Emma Woodhouse grows up in a well connected English town, confident in her social instincts and convinced she can guide others toward happiness. When she sponsors matches and dispenses opinions on love, she stirs a series of romantic misunderstandings that ripple through her circle. This 1800s set comedy of manners follows her clever, sometimes naive meddling as friends misread signals, alliances shift, and egos collide in drawing rooms and country lanes. Amid the wit and color of high society, Emma navigates the consequences of her schemes and the fragile line between guidance and manipulation. The story blends sharp dialogue with a warm, sparkling spirit, turning Austen's satire into a modern feel good romance that stays true to the period.
Directed by Autumn de Wilde, this modern take on Jane Austen's Emma features a screenplay by Eleanor Catton. The film adapts the beloved novel for contemporary audiences while preserving period detail, social satire, and lush production design, with lively performances.
The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design, highlighting Alexandra Byrne's vibrant period wardrobes that lift the world of the story. Critics lauded the outfits as a visual heartbeat, pairing refined elegance with playful color, and the look became a talking point across awards chatter and beyond.
Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal gave Emma a bright, poised presence that resonated beyond Austen fans. The film's lush color palette, brisk exchanges, and fashionable production design sparked renewed interest in Austen adaptations and invited new audiences to see period romance with contemporary energy, humor, and charm that feels bright and modern.
Critics praised the movie for its witty tone, stylish direction, and strong performances. It treats class and autonomy with a light but insightful touch, preserving Austen's social satire while delivering a feel good romance that feels fresh and human, not merely elegant pageantry. Its brisk pacing keeps audiences smiling throughout.
What Viewers Are Saying
Audiences rave about Emma's bright wit and bold visuals, a stylish take that gives Austen's humor a fresh glow. Anya Taylor-Joy nails Emma's mischief and charm, and Harriet Smith in red dresses and big hats steals several scenes. The look mixes Wes Anderson style with a feminine palette, pairing lush rooms and sly humor to create a light, enjoyable spin even for first-time Austen viewers.
Details
- Release Date
- February 13, 2020
- Runtime
- 2h 5m
- Rating
- PG
- User Ratings
- 1,895 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Studio
- Working Title Films +1 more
- Budget
- $10,000,000
- Box Office
- $25,200,000
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Anya Taylor-Joy
Emma Woodhouse
Johnny Flynn
George Knightley
Josh O'Connor
Mr. Elton
Callum Turner
Frank Churchill
Mia Goth
Harriet Smith
Miranda Hart
Miss Bates
Bill Nighy
Mr. Woodhouse
Rupert Graves
Mr. Weston
Gemma Whelan
Miss Taylor / Mrs. Weston
Amber Anderson
Jane Fairfax
Director: Autumn de Wilde
Written by: Eleanor Catton, Jane Austen