If you’re on the hunt for the perfect weekend watch, then this charming period drama could be the perfect pick. Even better, it’s currently streaming on the BBC.
However, you need to act fast – it’s only available until November 8. This 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Emma has an 86% rating on the film review site Rotten Tomatoes, with reviews describing it as “visually stunning” and “a delight”. The film stars Ana Taylor Joy as the wealthy Emma Woodhouse, a young woman who loves to meddle in the love lives of others.
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Bill Nighy stars as her father Mr Woodhouse as does Ma Goth who plays Emma’s friend Harriet. However, when Emma begins to orchestrate a love affair for Harriet, she begins to realise some surprising feelings of her own.
Directed by Autumn de Wilde, the film is a beloved period drama famed for its bright costumes and set design, as well as its fresh take on the 1818 novel.
One reviewer wrote: “Phenomenal adaptation. Hilarious, beautifully filmed, witty, and well-acted. Rewards multiple viewings. Easily one of my favourite Jane Austen adaptations and I’ve seen them all, many times.”
Another said: “This feels like Wes Anderson meets Jane Austen in the best way. The actors felt spot on and the visuals were stunning. I love how conceited Anya Taylor Joy’s depiction of Emma is at the beginning so that we can see the juicy messes it causes before she grows to be a better person.”
However, not everyone is so enamoured with it. Some reviewers have criticised the film’s bubblegum pink aesthetic, calling it “eye-irritating “.
One person wrote: “So horrible! I got so uneasy after five minutes watching, and stayed for an amazing 15 more minutes. The eye-irritating pink colour, stupid, dramatic, exaggerated expression.”
Another said: “It is a, too-looong, pinky strawberry flavoured movie. It is entertaining… in a way.”
Emma is streaming now on BBC iPlayer
