A FEW things struck me about this Austen remake. First, was everyone in this period fit? Second, for certificate U, this really is a horny film. And third, there is a lot to be said for sex before marriage. If Emma, George and Harriet had merely cracked on, they’d have saved themselves a lot of […]
A FEW things struck me about this Austen remake.
First, was everyone in this period fit? Second, for certificate U, this really is a horny film.
And third, there is a lot to be said for sex before marriage.
If Emma, George and Harriet had merely cracked on, they’d have saved themselves a lot of bother.
But where’s the fun in that? This is a cracker of a film – all bonnets and coquettish glances – but with a nod to the Instagram generation.
Smug Emma, so convinced of her own matchmaking skills, neglects to realise when she herself is falling head over heels.
What director Autumn de Wilde has brought to the party is a perfectly judged modernisation.
Yes, it’s still a period piece (and gorgeously so).
But Emma herself could easily be getting through the whole thing on a Whats-App group or a few subtle sub-tweets.
The film’s casting is impeccable.
Anya Taylor-Joy is perfect and Johnny Flynn, one of our most interesting leading men, brings some ruffled danger to proceedings.
A supporting cast including Josh O’Connor, Miranda Hart and a wonderfully twitchy Bill Nighy make every scene a joy.
It’s funny, poignant, cutting and very good indeed.
