I consider myself to be bit of a Jane Austen snob, having studied English literature at university and read all her novels. The great thing about Autumn de Wilde's adaptation of Emma is that you don't need to be familiar with Austen's work to be completely drawn into the story. De Wilde's attention to detail, her choreography and crafting of each shot in this movie is second only to that of Wes Anderson. This movie is exquisite and a feast for the eyes. Thankfully, though, substance is not lost to style. I feel like every single department on this movie - production design, costume, cinematography, music - came together to create a harmonious whole. The soundtrack of this movie by David Schweitzer and Isobel Waller-Bridge, in particular, is absolutely spectacular. It so perfectly matches the scenes and the comedy of manners we're witnessing. Since watching the film, I've played the soundtrack many times at home just to be transported back into this movie.
All the actors are also well cast. I do wish we had more of Mrs. Weston in the movie as there is in the book, and I also wish some scenes were longer because they seemed a tad hurried. Anya Taylor Joy makes for a very convincing Emma, but it is Mia Goth as Harriet who is a revelation. There is such effortless artistry to every look she gives and the way she delivers her dialogue that I have no doubt it must have taken her a lot of effort and hard work. The 1996 adaptation of Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow and the 2009 adaptation with Romola Garai are both good, and I honestly didn't think there could be a new adaptation of Emma that could beat that. But I saw this one and I'm completely floored. I've watched it three times and every single time I cry when Mr. Knightley asks Harriet to dance with him and every single time I'm amazed that this movie exists.
A last note: I do understand that not everyone will like this movie. I personally think the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is the definitive version of the book and not the 2005 one with Kiera Knightley. So, to each their own.
All the actors are also well cast. I do wish we had more of Mrs. Weston in the movie as there is in the book, and I also wish some scenes were longer because they seemed a tad hurried. Anya Taylor Joy makes for a very convincing Emma, but it is Mia Goth as Harriet who is a revelation. There is such effortless artistry to every look she gives and the way she delivers her dialogue that I have no doubt it must have taken her a lot of effort and hard work. The 1996 adaptation of Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow and the 2009 adaptation with Romola Garai are both good, and I honestly didn't think there could be a new adaptation of Emma that could beat that. But I saw this one and I'm completely floored. I've watched it three times and every single time I cry when Mr. Knightley asks Harriet to dance with him and every single time I'm amazed that this movie exists.
A last note: I do understand that not everyone will like this movie. I personally think the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is the definitive version of the book and not the 2005 one with Kiera Knightley. So, to each their own.