Autumn de Wildeโs Emma. (2020) is a vibrant, delightfully stylized adaptation of Jane Austenโs classic 1815 novel โ a romantic comedy of manners centered on youth, vanity, and the misadventures of matchmaking. This version distinguishes itself with its lush visual flair, sharp performances, and a playful tone that both honors and modernizes Austenโs original wit.
The story follows Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy), a wealthy, headstrong young woman in Regency-era England who fancies herself an expert in love โ but meddles more than she matches. After successfully arranging a marriage between her governess and a local widower, Emma turns her attention to pairing others in her social circle. However, her well-intended schemes unravel, exposing the dangers of pride and the blind spots of privilege. Throughout it all, Emma must confront her feelings for the quietly wise Mr. Knightley (Johnny Flynn), leading to personal growth and romantic awakening.
What makes Emma. (2020) stand out is its meticulous art direction. Every frame feels like a painting โ full of pastel palettes, opulent costumes, and symmetry worthy of a Wes Anderson film. Anya Taylor-Joy offers a fresh interpretation of Emma: confident and commanding, but with visible cracks in her composure that humanize her character. The supporting cast โ including Bill Nighy as Emmaโs hilariously hypochondriac father โ brings layers of eccentricity and warmth.
Musically, the film cleverly mixes period-authentic instrumentation with lively, modern energy. Itโs romantic but never saccharine; funny but emotionally intelligent. Despite the familiarity of Austenโs tale, de Wildeโs directorial debut feels crisp and cinematic, breathing new life into a beloved text.
While Austen never wrote a direct sequel, a fictional follow-up โ Emma: Highbury Revisited โ could explore the next chapter in Emmaโs life after marriage. Set several years later, Emma and Mr. Knightley are now adapting to a more equal partnership, challenged by new societal changes and the arrival of industrial influence into the countryside.
When a new family with scandalous origins moves into the neighborhood โ with a mysterious American heiress and her socialist brother โ Highbury is thrown into social and ideological upheaval. Emma, now more mature but still sharp-witted, finds herself mediating between tradition and progress. Sheโs no longer matchmaking for others but must instead navigate the growing pains of her own identity and marriage.
With potential themes of feminism, class tension, and the evolution of romance beyond courtship, a sequel like Highbury Revisited could offer a thoughtful, Austen-esque exploration of how love and society change with time.
